The Ramesseum at Thebes 

John Frederick Lewis made this watercolour titled 'The Ramesseum at Thebes' during a time when European artists were captivated by the "Orient." The Ramesseum, a monumental temple, is depicted not merely as an ancient site, but as a backdrop for contemporary life. The artist gives us an intimate glimpse into the daily lives of the people inhabiting this space. Consider how the figures in the painting are positioned in relation to the ruins. The men with their animals, seem almost at ease amidst the grandeur and decay. This juxtaposition invites us to reflect on themes of cultural exchange, power dynamics, and the passage of time. Lewis does not romanticize the East, but rather presents a scene of ordinary life. The Ramesseum is not just a relic of the past, it’s a space where people live, work, and exist in the present. It’s a powerful reminder that history is never truly past; it's always present, shaping and informing our lives.