Temple of Edfou [Idfû], ancient Appolinopolis, Upper Egypt. 1846 - 1849

David Roberts rendered this watercolor of the Temple of Edfu in Upper Egypt. Observe the monumental pylons adorned with hieroglyphs, framing the temple's entrance. These pylons aren't just architectural; they are symbolic gateways, much like the triumphal arches of Rome or even the city gates of Renaissance Florence. Consider the winged sun disk, a motif of Horus, prominently displayed. Its protective wings and the sun, symbolizing divine power, echo in later symbols of authority and guardianship. Think of the protective angels in Christian art or the guardian figures flanking temple entrances in East Asia. These symbols, though geographically disparate, tap into a universal human impulse: the need for protection, guidance, and a connection to the divine. The desert landscape, bathed in a soft light, adds an emotional layer, evoking a sense of timelessness and spiritual quest, echoing the same feelings one might experience standing before a Gothic cathedral or a Zen garden. The ancient Egyptian motifs have been cyclically revived, adapted, and transformed, yet remain deeply rooted in our collective consciousness.