Ibsamboul, Colosse Médial (Enfoui) du Spéos de Phrè Nubie, Palestine et Syrie Possibly 1849 - 1852

This is a photograph of a colossal sculpture at Abu Simbel in Egypt, taken by Maxime Du Camp in the mid-19th century. It captures a moment of encounter between Western modernity and ancient Egyptian civilization. Consider the photograph as more than just a record. It's a cultural artifact reflecting the 19th-century European fascination with Egypt, a fascination fueled by colonial ambitions and scientific curiosity. Du Camp, commissioned by the French government, wasn't just documenting; he was participating in a project of cultural appropriation, of claiming Egypt's past for the European present. The inclusion of a local figure beside the colossus serves to emphasize the scale of the sculpture, but it also underscores the power dynamics at play. To truly understand this image, we need to delve into the archives, examining travelogues, archaeological reports, and colonial records. Only then can we fully grasp the complex interplay of power, knowledge, and representation that this photograph embodies.