Edfou [Edfu, Idfû]. Nov. 24th, 1838. 1846 - 1849

This watercolor of the Edfou temple was made in 1838 by David Roberts. Notice the columns: their capitals bloom with papyrus and lotus, symbols of Upper and Lower Egypt, unified. Above, the winged solar disc, an ancient symbol of divine protection. Such motifs are not unique to this temple. Consider the winged sun: From ancient Egypt to Persia, and even adopted in variations by cultures throughout Mesopotamia and beyond, this symbol has been passed down, each time shifting slightly, yet retaining its core protective essence. The way the artist has composed this invites us to consider how these symbols carry cultural memory. They engage our subconscious, evoking a sense of continuity and connection to the ancient world. The symbols remind us of how cultural and religious ideas are not static but cyclical, constantly resurfacing and evolving.