Ruïnes van de tempel van Kom Ombo before 1862

This is Francis Frith's stereo photograph of the Ruins of the Temple of Kom Ombo, made in the 19th century. Frith was one of the first British photographers to travel widely in the Middle East. This photograph exists as a part of a larger history of Western fascination with and documentation of ancient civilizations. It brings into focus questions of cultural heritage, ownership, and representation. The ruins stand as silent witnesses to a rich and complex history, captured here through the lens of a colonial gaze. Consider the act of photographing these ruins within the context of 19th-century colonialism. How does the photographer's perspective shape our understanding of this historical site? What stories remain untold or unseen in this image? This photograph is not just a visual document but also an emotional and historical record, inviting us to reflect on the layers of time and cultural exchange embedded within it.