Pilier du Sanctuaire de granit du Palais de Karnac (Bas-relief représentant Thotmès III et la Déesse Athor) 1849 - 1850

This photograph by Maxime Du Camp captures a pillar from the granite sanctuary within the Palais de Karnac. Its sepia tones lend an air of antiquity, emphasizing the enduring presence of ancient Egyptian art. The photograph’s formal arrangement draws our attention to the pillar’s verticality, which is strongly structured by hieroglyphs and figures carved in bas-relief. The composition emphasizes the relationship between Thotmès III and the goddess Athor. The incised lines define their forms, highlighting their symbolic importance within the religious and political context of ancient Egypt. The photograph also subtly explores themes of power and divinity, with Thotmès III depicted in a pose of authority while Athor embodies divine grace. Du Camp’s work uses photographic techniques to document and interpret ancient forms, inviting viewers to consider how we construct and preserve cultural memory through visual representation.