The Erection of Cleopatra's Needle
1878
photographic
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1878
photographic
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This old photo shows a tall wooden tower with a heavy stone block balanced on top. Workers stand below, climbing the scaffolding. Trees and small buildings fill the background, and the whole scene looks dusty and quiet. The photo was taken while moving a giant stone—called Cleopatra’s Needle—into place. The artist used a simple camera to show real work, not just fancy art. Next, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see this photo up close.
