Raised-relief carving displaying Ramses II in a gesture of offering to the god Amon. Luxor, Egypt

"Daughter of Ra, Hathor is considered an aspect of Isis, sometimes mother, sometimes wife of Horus. She is also Lady of the West, protectress of the necropolis of Thebes. Those who knew the right spells could ride on her back to the Underworld. Hathor was a mother-figure; it was said that she nursed the infant Pharaohs who, along with her nourishing milk, imbibed divinity. Thus they became her children and reached the status of gods." This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for American Institute of Architects, directing the Egyptian portion of the documentary on Ancient Egypt, March 1965 and September 1965.