Wall scene in painted raised relief from the Temple of Seti I, Abydos, Egypt

"Begun by Sethos I (Seti I, Library of Congress Authority Headings) and completed by his son, Ramesses II (Ramses II, L.C.A.H.), this temple was built of fine limestone and is one of the most impressive religious structures in Egypt. The decoration of the walls produced for Ramses II, while mostly of somewhat inferior sunken relief, includes some unusual scenes. The raised reliefs carved in the second hypostyle hall in Sethos' own reign are of superb quality. Ritual scenes of many types are depicted -including representations of Sethos before various gods, performing sacrifices and presenting offerings. The quality of the carving extends from the carefully modelled figures to even the smallest details of minor items and hieroglyphs. The seven chapels which uniquely form the focus of the main temple were dedicated to the deified Sethos I, Ptah, Re-Horakhty, Amun, Osiris, Isis and Horus, and each is decorated with representations of the rituals associated with various festivals." [Wilkinson R., 2000: The Complete Temples of Ancient Egypt. Thames and Hudson]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for Life magazine and traveled to Africa from January 8, 1947 to end of June 1947.