At Luxor, Thebes. Upper Egypt. 1846 - 1849

David Roberts rendered this watercolor of Luxor in Upper Egypt, inviting us to contemplate the enduring legacy of ancient architectural forms. The columns, remnants of a grand temple, stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time. These pillars are more than just stone; they echo a primeval impulse to reach for the heavens, an impulse found in the ziggurats of Mesopotamia and the temple complexes of ancient Greece. Each culture reimagines this reaching gesture, yet the yearning remains constant. Consider the column's evolution—from a symbol of strength and stability to one of aspiration and spiritual connection. It is a visual manifestation of humanity’s perennial quest for meaning, a quest that transcends cultural and temporal boundaries, speaking to our collective subconscious. These forms engage us on a deep, subconscious level. These shapes are not static but, rather, living symbols that continue to evolve and resonate through the ages.