Artwork

The Ramesseum, Thebes

The Ramesseum, Thebes, by Adolphe Braun, 1869
The Ramesseum, Thebes, by Adolphe Braun, 1869

The Ramesseum, Thebes is a photography by the Impressionist artist Adolphe Braun. It dates from 1869 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

The sky is pale, and a distant shape—maybe another temple—appears on the horizon.

This photo shows a ruined stone temple with six tall columns standing in a row. The ground is rocky and scattered with broken blocks. In the middle, a person sits near a round stone slab, and sheep graze nearby. The sky is pale, and a distant shape—maybe another temple—appears on the horizon.

The temple looks old, with some columns missing parts. The photo was taken in 1869, when ruins like this fascinated travelers.

Next, check out The Cleveland Museum of Art to see where this photo is kept.

Overview

The Ramesseum, Thebes is a photographic work by Adolphe Braun, dating to 1869. It is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The photograph depicts the ancient, ruined temple of The Ramesseum in Thebes, characterized by six standing columns amidst a landscape of rocky terrain, scattered debris, and signs of deterioration. Human and animal presence (a seated figure and grazing sheep) contrasts with the monumental, yet weathered, architectural remains.

Technique & Style

Braun's composition captures the site's state of decay, with a pale sky and a distant, indistinct structure on the horizon. The inclusion of everyday life elements alongside antiquity reflects the photographic aesthetic of the late 19th century, blending documentation with a sense of place.

History & Provenance

Created in 1869, during a period when ancient ruins captivated European travelers, the photograph is now housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Artist & collection

Artist

Adolphe Braun

Adolphe Braun (1812–1877) was a French artist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.