Palais de Karnak, Les Obélisques; Thèbes Possibly 1849 - 1852

Maxime Du Camp's 1849-52 photograph, "Palais de Karnak, Les Obélisques; Thèbes", captures the remnants of the ancient Egyptian Karnak temple complex. The image shows two towering obelisks standing amidst a field of rubble, representing the temple's decline and the enduring power of ancient architecture. Du Camp, a renowned photographer of the 19th century, used the medium to document the wonders of the world, particularly those of the ancient world, and this image is a prime example of his work. The photograph showcases the grandeur of the ancient site and the enduring power of ancient Egypt, a subject that fascinated many European travelers during the 19th century.