Tempel van Luxor c. 1870 - 1890

C. & G. Zangaki created this photograph of the Temple of Luxor using a photographic process on paper. The image speaks volumes about the Western gaze on Egypt during the late 19th century. The Zangaki brothers, of Greek origin, operated a photo studio in Egypt at a time when the country was a popular destination for European travelers. This photograph, like many others they produced, catered to the orientalist fantasies of their clientele. Note how the inclusion of two Arab figures at the base of the colossal columns serves to emphasize the grandeur of the ancient architecture, while also positioning the local population as mere bystanders in their own history. This constructed contrast highlights the power dynamics inherent in colonial-era tourism and representation, inviting us to consider the complex interplay between cultural heritage, identity, and the politics of looking.