Kom-Ombou (Ombos)

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Kom-Ombou (Ombos)

Artist Felix Teynard (French, 1817-1892)

Dateabout 1853-1858

DimensionsOverall: 14 15/16 x 19 5/8 in. (37.9 x 49.8 cm);
Image: 9 7/16 x 12 1/8 in. (24 x 30.8 cm)

Mediumcalotype

ClassificationPhotographs

Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1992.22

Not on View

Label TextFélix Teynard was the first to publish a major portfolio of photographs of the ancient architecture of Egypt. Using the relatively new medium, which was little more than a decade old, he produced magnificent images. This particular photograph demonstrates Frith’s sensitivity to the rich possibilities of the paper-negative (calotpye) process, an uncommon grasp of the physical nature (size, placement, materials) of man-made structures, and a tangible respect of history. At the time this photograph was made, the calotype had just been introduced. Photographs made from paper negatives have a soft, atmospheric quality—as if the subjects are somehow suspended on the paper. The lack of any living thing in this picture, especially a human for scale as seen in almost all the other photographs and illustrations in this exhibition, only adds to the mystery and poetry of the subject and process.Exhibition HistoryTMA, Jan 22 - June 8, 1999 Buildings Real and Ideal: Nov. 15, 2007 - Jan 27, 2008 Toledo Museum of Art, Travelers Through Ancient Lands, Sept. 10 - Feb. 6, 2011 (no cat.).

Toledo Museum of Art, The Mummies: From Egypt to Toledo, February 3- May 6, 2018.