The Pyramids of Dahshoor c. 1860

Francis Frith captured "The Pyramids of Dahshoor" in a photograph, reflecting a moment of intense European interest in documenting ancient Egypt. Frith was one of the first British photographers to travel extensively in the Middle East. His commercial studio produced thousands of images catering to a Victorian audience fascinated by the "exotic" Orient. Note how the small figures at the bottom of the image emphasize the scale of the pyramids, which appear immense and timeless. However, this aestheticization often came at the cost of local perspectives, reinforcing a colonial gaze that framed Egypt as a land of ancient wonders, ready for Western exploration and interpretation. Frith’s image invites us to consider the power dynamics inherent in the act of looking and documenting. It prompts reflection on whose stories are told, and how these stories shape our understanding of history and place.