Zuilen bij de tempel van Kom Ombo before 1862

This photograph of columns at the temple of Kom Ombo was taken by Francis Frith. The stereoscopic image offers a dual perspective on the temple ruins, emphasizing the materiality and decay of the stone columns. The structural composition draws our attention to the geometric forms and intricate carvings. The photograph captures the stark contrast between the solid, enduring architecture and the ravages of time, a play between permanence and ephemerality. Frith’s choice to capture the columns in this state can be viewed through a semiotic lens. The ruins symbolize not only the passage of time but also the transformation of cultural meanings. The weathered surfaces and broken structures challenge fixed notions of historical narrative, suggesting the instability of meaning and the ongoing reinterpretation of cultural heritage. This engagement with fragmentation destabilizes established values. It invites a poststructuralist reflection on how we perceive history. The monochromatic palette further accentuates the structural elements. They invite contemplation on the interplay of form, history, and representation.