Cleopatra's Temple at Erment, near Thebes 1857

Francis Frith, a renowned photographer of the 19th century, captured the grandeur of ancient Egypt in his 1857 photograph, “Cleopatra's Temple at Erment, near Thebes.” This evocative black and white image depicts the partially ruined Temple of Monthu at Armant, showcasing its towering columns and architectural details. Frith's masterful use of light and shadow accentuates the temple's imposing presence, creating a sense of both awe and melancholy. The photograph, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, offers a glimpse into the timeless beauty and historical significance of Egyptian architecture, forever preserved through the lens of a pioneering photographer.