Tomb of Ptahmose, Saqqara (Memphis) 1859

This photograph of the Tomb of Ptahmose in Saqqara, Memphis, was taken by Théodule Deveria in the mid-19th century, a period marked by intense European interest in Egyptology. Deveria, a French Orientalist painter and photographer, documented Egyptian monuments, feeding into the Western fascination with ancient civilizations. This image is more than just a record; it reflects the complex dynamic between the West and the Middle East. The detailed depiction of hieroglyphs and relief carvings speaks to a desire to classify and understand a culture perceived as "other." It also raises questions about cultural ownership and representation, particularly when considered through the lens of colonialism. Looking at this photograph, what do you feel when you confront something so ancient, captured through the technology of a more recent era? This image invites us to consider how we engage with histories not our own, and what responsibilities come with that engagement.