Portico of the Temple of Goorneh 1858 - 1862

This is Francis Frith's photographic print of the Portico of the Temple of Goorneh. The image presents the temple's architecture and intricate hieroglyphic carvings in great detail, all achieved through the wet collodion process. This was a technique that required meticulous preparation and careful timing, where glass plates were coated with a light-sensitive chemical solution immediately before exposure in the camera. Frith's choice of this process highlights photography's growing accessibility, as the collodion process reduced exposure times and increased image sharpness. The tonal range and the texture captured, particularly in the stone columns and walls, emphasize the physical presence and enduring nature of the ancient structure. However, the production of photographs like this one was labor-intensive, involving not just the photographer but also assistants who helped with the darkroom work and transportation of equipment. Through this combination of skilled labor and material processes, Frith was able to capture the grandeur of ancient Egypt and make it accessible to a wider audience back in Europe, revealing the complex layers of production and consumption inherent in the making of this artwork.