Ruined Mosque Near Philæ 1857

Francis Frith's "Ruined Mosque Near Philæ" is a striking example of 19th-century photography, taken during his extensive travels in Egypt in 1857. The photograph captures the remnants of a once-grand mosque, its minaret standing tall against the backdrop of the Nile River and the surrounding desert landscape. This poignant image speaks to the passage of time and the impermanence of human structures. Frith's keen eye for detail and composition, as well as the stark beauty of the scene, have made this work a powerful and enduring testament to the enduring power of photography.