Photograph by Ed Pollard, Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II digital slr-2009.

The Temple Of Abu Simbel

Artist John B. Greene (American, 1832-1856)

CultureAmerican

Date1853-54

MediumSalted paper print from a waxed paper negative

DimensionsOverall, Image: 12 3/16 x 9 1/8 in. (31 x 23.2 cm)
Overall, Support: 22 5/16 × 15 5/8 in. (56.7 × 39.7 cm)

Credit LinePurchase in memory of Alice R. Frank with funds contributed by Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Menschel; Mr. and Mrs. Calvin H. Childress; Mr. and Mrs. Chris A. Crumley; Dr. Patricia L. Raymond; and Drs. Lea and Nancy G. Wilds

Object number96.2

Not on view

Label TextJohn B. Greene American (1832-1856) The Temple of Abu Simbel, 1853-54 Salted paper print from a waxed paper negative Museum purchase, in memory of Alice R. Frank with funds contributed by Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Menschel, Mr. and Mrs. Calvin H. Childress, Mr. and Mrs. Chris A. Crumley, Dr. Patricia L. Raymond, and Drs. Lea and Nancy G. Wilds 96.2 Although his family was from Boston, Greene was born in Paris where his father worked as a banker. He lived most of his life in France, but retained his American citizenship. An archaeologist and member of the Société Asiatique, he was also a founding member of the Société Française de Photographie. In 1853, Greene began making trips to Egypt and ultimately made over 200 paper negatives. A master at the paper negative process, by studying Greene's work, we can determine that he drew his sense of aesthetics from the French calotype tradition. In some of his photography, Greene exhibited a modernistic approach to the composition of his images. This view of Abu Simbel is unlike any of the other early photographs of this structure. Most of the photographs from this period are made from a more distant perspective, whereas this view is looking straight up at the monument, emphasizing the power and monumentality of the sculptures. Edited By: CW Edited Date: 2007 Approved By: ERL Approval Date: 2007Exhibition History"Treasures for the Community: The Chrysler Collects, 1989-1996," October 25, 1996 - February 16, 1997 "History of Photography," Alice R. and Sol B. Frank Photography Galleries, Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, Va, June 15, 1999 - January 2, 2000. "History of Photography," Alice R. and Sol B. Frank Photography Galleries, Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, Va, Fall, 2001. "Silver Images: The Photography Collection at 25," Alice R. and Sol B. Frank Photo Galleries, Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, Va., November 5, 2003 - August 2004. "The World of Photography," Alice R. and Sol B. Frank Photo Galleries, Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA, June 20, 2007 - May 25, 2008. "The Allure of Ancient Egypt," Selden Arcade, Norfolk, VA, June 18 - August 17, 2013.