-
1 of 253523 objects
The Colossi on the plain of Thebes [Colossi of Memnon] 17 Mar 1862
Albumen print, mounted on card | 23.7 x 28.6 cm (image) | RCIN 2700892
-
The ‘colossi’ are two statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III, standing about 18 m (60 ft) high. They are all that remain of a large mortuary temple to Amenhotep, originally serving as guardians to the entrance of the temple. During the Roman period, one of the statues was believed to ‘sing’ at dawn and thus was linked to the legendary figure of Memnon. As the son of Eos the dawn, he was believed to greet her each morning with a sigh. The photograph is signed, captioned and dated in the negative. The number in the Day & Son series is 38.
Provenance
Acquired by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), 1862
-
Medium and techniques
Albumen print, mounted on card
Measurements
23.7 x 28.6 cm (image)
46.9 x 58.4 cm (mount)