Kolossen van Memnon in Thebe (Luxor) c. 1870 - 1890

This photograph, titled 'Kolossen van Memnon in Thebe (Luxor),' was created by C. & G. Zangaki. The photograph captures the famous Colossi of Memnon, massive stone statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III, but the inclusion of the local people in the frame subtly shifts the narrative. The statues, symbols of ancient power, are juxtaposed with these individuals, who are in turn dwarfed by the monuments but simultaneously bring them to life through their presence. This composition raises questions about how we perceive history. Do we focus solely on the grandeur of rulers and empires, or do we also consider the lives of everyday people who lived alongside these monuments? The photograph invites us to consider how identity is shaped by both heritage and lived experience, and it gently challenges the traditional focus on power and authority in historical narratives.