At Philæ 

Elizabeth Thompson painted "At Philæ" capturing the architectural and landscape details of ancient Egypt in a watercolor. Thompson, as a woman artist, navigated a Victorian art world that often marginalized women's contributions. Here, she presents a view through a doorway onto a sun-drenched scene of ruins and an obelisk. The temple at Philæ was a site of great interest to Europeans in the 19th century, fueled by colonial expansion and academic study of ancient civilizations. The scene is framed by the doorway, inviting viewers to contemplate a timeless past. Thompson was celebrated for her attention to detail, which added to the realism of her art. Consider how she invites you to imagine yourself stepping into the scene, perhaps reflecting on the passage of time and the persistence of human culture.