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The Only Shadow that the Desert Knows


The Only Shadow that the Desert Knows
Photo Information
Copyright: Christian Stocker (ChristianS) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1017 W: 60 N: 809] (2937)
Genre: Places
Medium: Black & White
Date Taken: 2004-02
Categories: Ruins
Camera: Nikon F3HP, Nikkor AIS 35mm f/2, Ilford Delta 400
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-02-18 11:34
Viewed: 1018
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 14
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
The Hypostyle hall belonging to the mortuary temple of Ramesses II at Qurna, West Thebes. The view is east towards the second courtyard and the fallen colossus of Ramesses II. The title is a line from a sonnet written by Horace Smith which is actually a reflection about the ruinous state of the fallen colossal statue of Ramesses II partly showed in the centre of the picture.

In Egypt's sandy silence, all alone,
Stands a gigantic Leg, which far off throws
The only shadow that the Desert knows: –
"I am great Ozymandias*," saith the stone,
"The King of Kings; this mighty City shows
"The wonders of my hand." – The City's gone, –
Nought but the Leg remaining to disclose
The site of this forgotten Babylon.

by Horace Smith

*Ozymandias is the greek name of Ramesses II

For more information about this temple click here
bach37, MiguelP, claire526, pboehringer, pamastro has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Bonsoir Christian
j'aime beien le choix du n&b qui permet de contratser ces colonnes etle ciel blanc. Joli cadrage.
Bravo
Xavier

  • Great 
  • Gustaw Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2259 W: 695 N: 180] (18650)
  • [2007-02-18 11:38]

Hallo my friend!
Some years ago I was in Egypt. It was very interesting. I know this buildings. Good composition, good idea. I like your frame.
Marek

Hi Christian: Long time since the last time we see you around, you comeback you Egypt and I never get tired to see more images of this amazing land. I love the use of the B&W here that in some parts of the photos (like the columns) looks like drawns.
Take care.

Hi Christian,
Wonderful image! You have a very nice symmetry here and it works very well with B&W. Well composed. TFS.
Claire

  • Great 
  • euryan Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1105 W: 121 N: 1753] (7640)
  • [2007-02-18 22:25]

I love how the pillars create this awesome sense of perspective. The lighting is wonderful with this "light at the end of the tunnel" effect. The hieroglyphics and the fallen statue are nice details. Great shot.
Regards,
Ryan

Hi Christian,
I was at the exact same spot as you did your shot. I really appreciate a lot your technique in achieving this post. It almost looks like the old paintings of the first european archeologists. Great! I just wish you would have included a single person to give the perspective of grandeur of the place.
TFS, Peter

Your Egypt shots still catch my eye right away. Again it has a cinematic quality and this time a nostalgic cinematic quality to it. The shot captures the axis you were on very well leading us from darkness to light. I wonder if stronger contrast could enhance that dark and light, giving the outside and the area around the fallen colossus an aura of brightness, enhancing the feel of traveling down a dark tunnel to a bright light at the end. Overall it's another excellent addition to your views of Egypt.

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