The Sphynx and Great Pyramid, Geezeh 1857

Francis Frith captured this image of ‘The Sphynx and Great Pyramid, Geezeh’ sometime in the 19th century, employing the then-novel medium of photography. Frith was one of the first British photographers to travel extensively in the Middle East, documenting landscapes and ancient monuments. His work comes from a colonial context, one where the West was actively engaged in the appropriation and representation of non-Western cultures. Frith's photograph presents an image of Egypt as timeless and exotic. Note how the inclusion of local people in the scene, seemingly dwarfed by the scale of the ancient structures, emphasizes the 'grandeur' of the past. The photograph also offers an interesting perspective on the dynamic between preservation and decay, as the Sphynx is shown partially buried in sand. Frith’s image invites us to reflect on how photography has historically shaped our understanding of different cultures and the power dynamics involved in this process. It prompts us to consider whose perspectives are privileged and whose are marginalized in the construction of historical narratives.