Noordelijke zuilengalerij (peristilium) van de Tempel van Isis op het eiland Philae c. 1870 - 1898

Maison Bonfils made this photograph of the northern colonnade of the Temple of Isis on Philae Island using a photographic process. The image presents us with an important view of the architecture of ancient Egypt through the lens of 19th century European Orientalism. The architecture, with its grand columns and intricate capitals, speaks to the advanced civilization of ancient Egypt. The choice to photograph the Temple of Isis, dedicated to an important goddess, hints at a fascination with ancient Egyptian religion. Taken in the 19th century, the photograph reflects a broader European interest in the Middle East. This interest was fueled by colonial ambitions, trade, and a thirst for knowledge, but was also deeply rooted in cultural biases and the construction of the 'Orient' as exotic and mysterious. To fully understand this photograph, we can look into the Bonfils studio and its role in producing images of the Middle East for a European audience. We can also learn about how the Temple of Isis was perceived and represented in Western art and literature of the time. Examining travelogues, historical accounts, and other visual representations can further shed light on this image and the cultural context in which it was created and consumed.