Sands of Time

With hulking monuments half-buried in sand, the ancient Egyptian empire fascinated 19th- and 20th-century artists. This cultural obsession is documented in the Cleveland Museum of Art's Pyramids and Sphinxes.

On view Feb. 6-May 24, the exhibit spans earlier prints, drawings and photos of the mystifying archaeological wonders to later pieces when the icons became well-documented.

"It's all about people's response," says curator Barbara Tannenbaum. "How do the photographers deal with these [monuments] when they're no longer mysterious? Some artists respond with wonder and awe, others respond with irony and humor." We unbury three pieces in the exhibit.