Zuidzijde van het tempelcomplex van Karnak c. 1870 - 1898

This photograph, taken by Maison Bonfils, captures the south side of the Karnak temple complex. Dominating the scene is an obelisk, a soaring symbol deeply rooted in ancient Egyptian culture, representing a ray of sunlight and the sun god Ra. The obelisk transcends mere architecture, recurring throughout history as a symbol of power and enlightenment. Consider its echoes in the Washington Monument, where it embodies national pride and the towering ambition of a nation. Yet, in each context, its meaning subtly shifts. Like a recurring dream, these forms tap into our collective unconscious, reminding us of humanity's enduring quest for meaning, for the sublime. Perhaps the enduring power of the obelisk lies in its primal ability to evoke a sense of awe and wonder, a silent testament to the cyclical nature of history and the eternal recurrence of symbols.