Bas-reliëf van Ramses II, afkomstig uit Saqqara c. 1875 - 1900

This photographic print, made by Maison Bonfils, captures a bas-relief of Ramses II, originating from Saqqara. The image, rendered in tones of sepia, reveals the material qualities of the original carving – likely limestone or sandstone. Consider the labor involved in both the original relief, painstakingly carved with hand tools, and the photographic reproduction. The Bonfils family were pioneers in the commercial photography of the Middle East. They were responding to a growing European market for images of exotic locales and ancient artifacts. The photograph flattens the three-dimensional depth of the relief. Yet it also democratizes access to it. Once, the relief was a monumental assertion of power, seen only by a select few. Now, through the reproducible medium of photography, its image circulates widely. This raises questions about authenticity, and the relationship between original artworks and their mass-produced representations, challenging our traditional understanding of art and its value.