Profil du Colosse oriental du Spéos de Phré, à Abousembil (Portrait de Rhamsès-le-grand) 1850

This is Maxime Du Camp's 19th-century photograph of the colossal statues of Ramses II at Abu Simbel in Egypt, taken during a time of intense European interest in ancient Egypt. Du Camp, along with Gustave Flaubert, embarked on a journey through Egypt, where he captured images that reflect the era's colonial gaze. What we see is not just a portrait of Ramses, but also an insight into how European photographers like Du Camp perceived and presented non-European cultures. The photograph raises questions about representation, power, and the Western fascination with the 'Orient'. It invites us to consider whose stories are told and how they are framed, reflecting on the complex interplay between observer and observed. Ultimately, this photograph serves as a reminder of the power of images to shape perceptions and perpetuate narratives, inviting us to critically examine the historical and cultural contexts in which they are created and consumed.