Accession Number
1980/1.203

Title
Louqsor. Le Pylône

Artist(s)
Pascal Sebah

Artist Nationality
Turkish (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
circa 1880

Medium & Support
albumen print on paper

Dimensions
16 15/16 in x 14 3/16 in (43.02 cm x 36.04 cm)

Credit Line
Transfer from the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology

Subject matter
In this photograph of the main entrance to the Luxor Temple, the first pylon, as well as an obelisk and two sculpted human figures, appear half-submerged in sand. Sébah here relies on natural raking light to emphasize the partially carved, partially decayed surface of the stone structures he photographs. The pointing spire of a minaret peaks out from between the central gap in the pylon, its slender verticality echoes the similar verticals created by the obelisk as well as the conical headdresses of the statues. Nevertheless, the light tone and delicate ornamentation of the minaret contrast markedly to the dark, craggy stone of the ruins in the foreground. 

Physical Description
Oblique view of a pylon in front of which are set an obelisk and two humanoid sculptures, half submerged in sand. A minaret peaks through the break between the two vertical elements of the pylon.

Primary Object Classification
Photograph

Collection Area
Photography

Rights
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Keywords
Egypt
colossi
minarets
obelisks
obelisks (monumental pillars)
pylons
relief
ruins
temples (buildings)
travel photography