Ruïne van de Venustempel in Baalbek, voormalig Syrië before 1899

This photograph, taken by Augusta Victoria, German Empress and Queen of Prussia, captures the ruins of the Temple of Venus in Baalbek, in what was formerly Syria. The image presents us with more than just a historical monument; it offers a glimpse into the cultural and political landscape of the early 20th century. Augusta Victoria's interest in documenting these ruins speaks to the orientalist fascination prevalent among European elites of the time, and the crumbling temple can be interpreted through the lens of European colonial attitudes towards the Eastern world. As art historians, we might ask ourselves: how did the act of photographing and archiving such sites contribute to the construction of cultural identities and power dynamics? Research into travelogues, colonial archives, and the personal papers of figures like Augusta Victoria could shed light on the complex interplay between art, politics, and cultural heritage.