Abou Sembil, Grand Spéos - Statues Colossales, Vues de Trois-Quarts 1851 - 1852

Félix Teynard's 1851-1852 photograph, "Abou Sembil, Grand Spéos - Statues Colossales, Vues de Trois-Quarts," captures the imposing grandeur of the colossal statues at the Abu Simbel temple in Egypt. The image showcases the imposing scale of the figures, carved directly into the sandstone cliffs. Teynard's photograph, part of a larger series documenting his travels, is a remarkable example of early photography's ability to capture the archaeological wonders of the ancient world. The image, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a testament to the enduring allure of Egyptian history and the artistry of early photography.