Not currently on view
In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland · as of July 2026
FROM THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART’S CATALOG
Frith often emulated the drawings of David Roberts in selecting monuments to illustrate and positions from which to shoot. Both artists encountered the temple at Kom Ombo still more than halfway buried in sand. “It reminds you of some grand old giant, buried to the shoulders,” wrote Frith, “not dead yet, but overpowered and imprisoned by some potent spell—majestic in his helplessness.” In his photographs, however, Frith cared less about emotional impact and more about the accuracy of his depictions. “A truthful record is of more value than the most elaborately beautiful picture,” he proclaimed.
Be the first to share your thoughts.
Sign in to join the discussion.
Félix Teynard|Imprimerie Photographique de H. de Fonteny et
Francis Frith — Koum Ombo, Upper Egypt
Félix Teynard|Imprimerie Photographique de H. de Fonteny et
Francis Frith — Interior Court of Medinet Habbo, Thebes
Maxime Du Camp — Médinet-Habou, Péristyle du Palais de Ramsè
Antonio Beato (British, c. 1825–1903) — Temple of Dendera
Francis Frith — The Rameseum
Antonio Beato — Temple a Denderah
Antonio Beato — Medinet Habou, 2me cour cote sudouest
Francis Frith — Portico of the Temple of Goorneh
Félix Teynard|Imprimerie Photographique de H. de Fonteny et
Francis Frith — Portico of the Temple of Dendera