Tempel van Horus bij Edfu 1888 - 1895

This photograph by Jean Pascal Sébah captures the Temple of Horus at Edfu, presenting us with its monumental architecture adorned with hieroglyphs and symbolic representations. Note the columns, reminiscent of a petrified forest, evoking ideas of strength and endurance. The figures carved into the walls carry tales of power and divinity, resonating with ancient Egyptian beliefs. Consider the symbol of the winged sun disc over the gate, a motif that reappears across cultures. It symbolizes divine protection and royal authority. From the sun gods of ancient Egypt to similar emblems in Mesopotamian art, this symbol embodies a universal desire for protection. Over time it appears transformed in medieval heraldry. Each reemergence marks a cultural adaptation, yet the core idea remains. Here, in Sébah's photograph, we glimpse not just a temple, but a testament to humanity's enduring quest for meaning.