Opgraving bij Thebe before 1862

Curator: Before us we have “Opgraving bij Thebe,” or "Excavation at Thebes," an albumen print, dating to before 1862, by Francis Frith. It's currently held at the Rijksmuseum. What strikes you about it initially? Editor: It's eerie. The muted tones amplify the stillness, a heavy silence that speaks volumes about the layers of history buried within the land. And, let's be honest, the framing in the album, the stark white around the photograph, creates a bizarre sense of separation between viewer and the ancient site itself. Curator: Frith’s albumen prints offer a glimpse into 19th-century perceptions of the ancient world, fueled by burgeoning Egyptology and the romance of discovery. Consider Thebes, once the religious center of Egypt, transformed into a site for archaeological investigation and colonial exploitation. Editor: Colonialism is the undercurrent here, isn't it? Photography becoming a tool for documenting and, essentially, claiming ownership over these lands and their histories. I can’t help but see it as an assertion of power. Curator: I agree to an extent. However, what also captivates me is how Frith captures what one could only read in scripture prior to this time; bringing what only academics could study behind closed doors into public discourse. There’s this symbolic transformation occurring; revealing ancient, almost biblical landscapes that speak of human endeavors reaching towards eternity. The pyramids weren't just tombs; they were monuments of the collective consciousness. Editor: That desire to connect with a grand, eternal narrative definitely speaks to the human condition, but let's not romanticize it too much. These excavations disrupted communities, pillaged cultural heritage, and reinforced a skewed narrative of progress. It is a poignant artifact, in the end. Curator: Perhaps we can see this photograph, then, as both a symbol of cultural exploration and a reminder of the ethical complexities inherent in engaging with the past. The pursuit of knowledge must always be coupled with a critical awareness of power dynamics. Editor: Absolutely. Reflecting on the long-term impact, who benefits, and who is exploited during those searches. It is this kind of critical lens that enables understanding for these antiquities that were never actually antique.