Temple of Edfou, Upper Egypt 

John Frederick Lewis created this watercolor of the Temple of Edfou in Upper Egypt during the 19th century. Lewis skillfully renders the temple using watercolor on paper, a medium valued for its portability and translucence, perfect for capturing the subtle nuances of light and shadow in the Egyptian landscape. The material qualities of watercolor allow for layering and blending, creating atmospheric effects that evoke the heat and vastness of the desert. The paper support lends a delicate texture to the artwork, enhancing the sense of depth and dimension. Lewis's choice of watercolor reflects a broader tradition of Orientalist painting, where European artists depicted scenes from the Middle East, often emphasizing exoticism and romanticism. This piece also tells us about the labor required to produce such a detailed work, from the artist's physical effort to the social and economic context of artistic production in the 19th century. Considering the materials and the context in which Lewis created this image allows us to appreciate its significance beyond its aesthetic appeal, recognizing the interplay between artistic expression, cultural representation, and social dynamics.