Accession Number
1980/1.157

Title
Karnak, Les Deux Stelles Pilliers

Artist(s)
Felice Beato

Artist Nationality
British (modern)

Object Creation Date
circa 1855-1857

Medium & Support
albumen print on paper

Dimensions
7 15/16 in x 10 1/4 in (20.1 cm x 26 cm)

Credit Line
Transfer from the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology

Subject matter
Created within the ruins of an ancient Egyptian structure, this photograph depicts a view of two stelae standing erect amongst the rubble. The stelae—ornamented architectural columns that bear relief design—stand at equal heights. The pair have ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics carved into their right sides. On their left they bear stylized relief flowers with long, vertical stems and bulbous petals. The column on the right is remarkably intact, while the other’s bottom half has crumbled away, leaving rough, bare stone beneath. Past the stelae, the site deteriorates into strewn blocks and boulders. The desert landscape beyond stretches into the distance, a thin smattering of palm trees silhouetted against the sky.

Physical Description
This photograph depicts a view of some ancient stone ruins. Two columns stand in the center of the photograph, each bearing relief designs and carved hieroglyphics.

Primary Object Classification
Photograph

Collection Area
Photography

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.

Keywords
Egyptian (ancient)
Karnak
Ruins
ancient sites
archaeology
columns
excavations (sites)
hieroglyphics
pillars
relief (sculpture techniques)
ruins
stelae