Gezicht op de tempels van Thoetmosis II en Ramses III in Medinet-Habou c. 1870 - 1890

C. and G. Zangaki made this photograph of the temples of Thutmose II and Ramses III in Medinet Habu using a camera and photographic paper. In the late 19th century, photography served not only as a means of documentation but also as a tool for shaping perceptions of distant lands and cultures. This image, likely produced for Western audiences, presents a view of ancient Egyptian architecture. The choice of subject matter, framing, and even the monochromatic palette contribute to a narrative of Egypt as a land of ancient wonders, ripe for exploration and, implicitly, Western intervention. The Zangaki brothers, of Greek origin, operated a studio in Egypt, catering to the burgeoning tourist industry. Their work reflects the Orientalist aesthetics prevalent at the time. By examining such photographs within their historical context, using sources like travelogues and colonial records, we can uncover the complex interplay between art, commerce, and imperial ambition. The meaning of this image is thus contingent on its social and institutional context.