Ramses II Exhibition in Paris – Photos of Ancient Egypt at La Villette
Fragments of eternity brought into light. During the Ramses II exhibition in Paris, I photographed ancient Egyptian statues, masks, and sacred objects—seeking to capture their symbolic strength and visual power whenever the crowd allowed.
An Immersive Exhibition to Relive Ancient Egypt’s Golden Age
From the moment you entered, the exhibition struck with its majesty: monumental statues, funerary objects, golden jewelry, and reconstructed architecture took visitors on a journey through time. Ramses II, known as Ramses the Great, was portrayed as a conqueror, a builder, and a divine figure through a spectacular and educational display.
Among the most impressive pieces was the colossal statue of the pharaoh, with its impassive gaze and signature nemes headdress (see below). The show also highlighted the extraordinary skill of Egyptian craftsmen: engraved stelae, golden funerary masks, and a rare silver sarcophagus that glowed eerily under the dimmed lights.
Photographs of Eternal Fragments
Without an official mission or special access, I simply tried to highlight some statues and details, stepping aside from the main scenography whenever I could. Whenever the crowd gave way, I looked for those suspended moments—fragments of eternity etched in stone, light, and expression.
These images don’t aim to document the entire exhibition, but rather offer a personal and contemplative reading of selected works. Each photo isolates a detail, a face, a hieroglyph—to reveal the symbolic and aesthetic power of these ancient artifacts.
- Statue of Ramses II in black granite: strength and serenity in the gaze of a god-king.
- Carved obelisk with royal cartouche: sacred verticality in golden light.
- Golden funerary mask: timeless brilliance of Egyptian funerary art.
- Silver sarcophagus: a rare piece enhanced by expert lighting design.
- Winged sacred scarab: symbol of rebirth and protection, surrounded by winged female figures.
- Animal mummy and ritual objects: homage to the spiritual complexity of the Old Kingdom.
A Visual and Cultural Journey to Remember
The exhibition captured the imagination of all audiences thanks to its immersive scenography: digital projections, soundscapes, virtual reality experiences, and storytelling for both children and adults.
For those who missed the show—or for lovers of ancient history and photography—this image series is a way to relive the experience and preserve its emotion.
Practical Information (past exhibition)
- Location: Grande Halle de la Villette, Paris 19th
- Dates: April to September 2023
- Curator: World Heritage Exhibitions / Universcience
- Number of objects: over 180 archaeological pieces
Photo Gallery: Ramses II Exhibition in Paris
About the author: Sebastien Desnoulez is a fine art and cultural photographer. He captures fragments of beauty found in exhibitions, museums, and historic spaces, with a personal and sensitive approach to visual storytelling.
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All the photos displayed on this website are copyright protected © Sebastien Desnoulez. No use allowed without written authorization.
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