Rosetta, Egypt c. 1871 - 1872

Charles J. Bridgman created this drawing of Rosetta, Egypt, using graphite and white chalk on paper, during an era of intense European interest in Egypt. Bridgman, positioned as a Western artist, captures a seemingly serene Egyptian landscape. However, this idyllic portrayal obscures the complex, colonial power dynamics at play. The Western gaze, inherent in Bridgman's perspective, often exoticized and romanticized non-Western cultures. The inclusion of local figures along the riverbank, rendered in a rather indistinct manner, hints at the human element within this landscape, yet does so without granting them individual identities or stories. They become part of the scenery, rather than active agents in their own environment. The use of light reflecting off the water creates a dream-like quality, perhaps inviting viewers to reflect on the cultural narratives embedded within landscape art. This piece gently prompts us to consider whose stories are told and how, and from what perspective, we view the world.