Ramesseum (tempel van Ramses II), Thebe (Luxor) c. 1870 - 1898

Maison Bonfils captured the Ramesseum of Thebes in this albumen print, a study in geometric decay. The photograph is dominated by horizontal and vertical lines that cut through a sepia-toned landscape. Massive columns and statues stand, yet fragmentation is evident, stones scattered, hinting at the inevitable dissolution of even the most monumental structures. The symmetry in the colonnade is disrupted by the fallen remains. This contrast isn't just a recording of ruin but also prompts contemplation on permanence and impermanence. The clear, sharp details invite a semiotic reading: each column, each broken piece, signifies not only architectural form but also the passage of time and the transience of power. The tonal range—from the light sky to the shadows within the temple—creates depth and emphasizes the structure's volume, it acts as a cultural artifact laden with meanings about civilization, decay, and the act of seeing itself. The photograph's structure subtly challenges any singular, fixed interpretation, allowing us to consider the shifting sands of history.