Abydos_ Second hypostyle hall in the mortuary temple of Sethos I. c. 1880 - 1890

This is a letter sent by an unknown author to Josephus Kumpel, featuring a peculiar caricature. The most striking element is the figure on the left, a grotesque cartoon-like man. Such figures, found frequently in the margins of manuscripts dating back to the medieval period, served as visual disruptions, reflections of the grotesque, the playful, and the subconscious. These figures were often hybrids, blending human and animal forms, reflecting anxieties or subversive humor. In the 19th century, the tradition of marginalia evolved into political caricatures and illustrations in popular media, serving as a powerful tool for social commentary and critique. This caricature, therefore, is a symbol of freedom and critique, revealing cultural anxieties and playing a crucial role in reflecting and shaping cultural values. It engages viewers on a subconscious level, evoking emotions and memories associated with past uses of this motif. These figures continue to resurface and evolve, adapting to new cultural contexts.