Vue générale de l'île de Philae, prise de l'Est 1849 - 1850

This is a photograph of the island of Philae in Egypt, taken by Maxime Du Camp sometime in the mid-nineteenth century. Du Camp was part of an early wave of European artists and writers drawn to the region, often with the support of governmental and academic institutions. In this image, we see ancient Egyptian ruins reflected in the waters of the Nile, a romantic vision of a distant land, yet one produced using the very latest technology of photography. As we contemplate this image, it is important to remember that the European presence in Egypt at this time was not merely that of curious travelers. Rather, it was a colonial presence, one that would have a profound impact on the region. We can see the results of that today in museum collections, and in photographs like this one. By looking at Du Camp’s photograph in the context of its time, we can better understand the complex relationship between art, culture, and power. We can study the ways the artist makes meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations.