Posing with the Sphinx
The great Sphinx, is a deity-like figure with the body of a lion and the head of a human; a human whose face most likely resembles one of a Pharaoh living at that time. This fascinating structure was more than just another great Ancient Egyptian creation. Its greater interpretation is one aligned with protection. There is also an association with the Sun deity and the Sphinx. This unity of the Pharaoh and the Lion is symbolically parallel with the unity of the pharaoh and the powerful Sun.
The two postcards shown above are examples of how the contribution of Egyptians in the images, framed the way foreigners saw Egypt in the 20th century. These postcards depict the same scene via two different medias: painting and photograph. As a result, they portray two different ideas of the same location. They are similar in some aspects such as the positioning of the people below the structure which illustrate how grand the Pyramids and Sphinx are and how humans succumb to their power and magic. The sizing of the individuals in the painting are also realistic, if compared to the photograph, which could showcase the size of the Pyramids. However, the painting portrays the Pyramid with sharper lines and the Sphinx with clearer features. Also, the colors used create a more joyful representation. The camels in the images complete the portrayal of Egyptian culture as they have considered a symbol of Egypt for centuries; even after the advancement of technology.
Over time, however, the perception of the Sphinx has shifted, depending on the captured image. Take a look at the following postcards for example:
This image is one of the few examples that shows a group of people intentionally posing for the photograph. Some of the men in the picture are Egyptian natives in traditional clothing and the third man is a tourist in European style clothing. In this scene, the presence of the Sphinx and the Pyramid in the background of the picture demonstrate the growing tourism in the area. It becomes an example of what Egyptian tourism encompasses and is a staple picture that visitors yearn for as they explore the area. The poses of the men and their size relative to the monuments show a change in the way non-Egyptians will begin to view the monuments. Their stance exudes confidence/power which help indicate that this is an area to be conquered. While both monuments are shown in their entirety, the focus lies among the men being featured in the photograph.
This is an illustration depicting a group of Egyptian natives gathering in front of the Sphinx. It can be assumed that the artist was trying to make a clear connection between the significance of the Sphinx with the people that are gathered in front; whether it is a spiritual or religious significance or some type of common ritual that is being performed. The clothing that the men are seen wearing is very clean and white which can represent their status, or their respect for what they are doing since the color white is commonly associated with being pure and clean. The color white is also associated with power and the men depicted here can be associated with power because of their clothing. Not only that, but their power is evident in the appearance of their camels as well since they are draped with bright colors, which were expensive to make. The way they are portrayed here is indicative of the respect that they hold for their culture as the people in the image want to present themselves well in front of the Sphinx.
In this image, the three people are depicted in bright traditional Egyptian clothing as they visit the Sphinx at sunset. Here the Sphinx is the focus of the painting as it is centered and the colors used for the Sphinx appear brighter and have more depth than the those of the Pyramids and the people. The only other part of the image that is given as much color detail as the Sphinx is the bright sky which the artist may have done to intentionally make the connection between the Sphinx and a higher power.
Although the top of the Sphinx is slightly cut off from the picture, it remains the focus and draws the eye in, this is especially due to the importance that the people in the image are observing for the Sphinx. Since all of their attention is back toward the extraordinary monument, the viewers’ attention is also drawn in the same direction. Overall, this makes the Sphinx appear even more grand and significant as a result of the sharp contrast in size between the Sphinx and the people.
The following postcards are further depictions of people and the great Sphinx. By clicking on their link, you will be able to learn more about them.
