The Approach to Phil‘ 1857

Curator: This is "The Approach to Philae," a gelatin silver print from 1857 by Francis Frith, now residing at The Met. My first thought? It’s overwhelmingly…stony. The foreground is just masses of rock! Editor: Those rocks are key, I think. The composition creates such a strong sense of perspective, doesn’t it? All those hefty, tactile shapes in the front leading to that elegant reflection of Philae's temple in the distance. The symbolic weight here feels ancient and immediate. Curator: You're right. The temple almost seems like a mirage. Those rocks really do a fantastic job creating depth. It’s funny to think of photography from so long ago. What was Frith thinking? Editor: Frith was clearly captivated by the Egyptian landscape, just like countless others throughout history. The symbols of Ancient Egypt carry so much power and allure, speaking to themes of civilization, mortality, and the eternal. Photography allowed Frith, and those viewing the photos later, a 'scientific' and reproducible vision. It brings the ancient world closer but with an element of objectification too. Curator: Hmmm…'objectification.' I feel like there’s also this human element. The reflection in the water makes everything shimmer, somehow softer, even though it's such a stark image. It's a land before mass tourism, experienced with this incredible sense of awe. Maybe objectification, but there's reverence too. Editor: Exactly. Consider how the river, often a symbol of the passage of time, reflects not only the architecture, but perhaps also our collective memory. Even today, standing there one can reflect on cultural and historical changes. How that monument still connects us with previous ways of living. Curator: It makes me feel this... stillness. And I can’t stop thinking of the sun beating down on those rocks. A perfect little captured moment that keeps radiating outward, both beautiful and imposing, almost like history in one single frame. Editor: Precisely! I agree, I’m really stuck on what a beautiful and impactful piece it is, I could talk about the semiotics all day, but even I have to move on to the next exhibit. Curator: Same, let’s keep dreaming of faraway lands!