Artwork Page for Egypt and Nubia, Volume III: Approach of the Simoon-Desert at Gizeh

Details / Information for Egypt and Nubia, Volume III: Approach of the Simoon-Desert at Gizeh

Egypt and Nubia, Volume III: Approach of the Simoon-Desert at Gizeh

1849

Louis Haghe

(British, 1806–1885)
published by

F. G. Moon

(British, 1797–1871)

after David Roberts

(Scottish, 1796–1864)
Culture
England, 19th century
Medium
color lithograph
Support
Wove paper
Measurements
Sheet: 43.6 x 60.4 cm (17 3/16 x 23 3/4 in.); Image: 33.1 x 48.5 cm (13 1/16 x 19 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of John Bonebrake 2012.263
Catalogue raisonné
Abbey 272:114
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

The invention of photography was announced in 1839, but photographers did not arrive in Egypt until around 1850. Prior to that, general knowledge about the ancient sites came from writings and reproductions of the paintings and drawings of adventurous artists. Roberts, the first British artist to produce a series of Egyptian views, traveled through the Middle East in 1838–40. Back in England, he worked with Haghe to translate his drawings into color lithographs, which were published between 1842 and 1849 as an opulent series of portfolios. A stimulating mixture of documentation and romanticism that still moves today’s viewers, Roberts’s images appeared just before the availability of photographic depictions of the region and inspired the photographers who followed in his footsteps.
A horizontally oriented color lithograph depicts a desert landscape. On the right, the colossal stone Sphinx faces left with a large pyramid behind it. In the foreground, people with tan skin tones and camels huddle near a dark tent and scattered gear. To the left, a caravan moves toward a large, low orange-red sun on the horizon. Dark, swirling clouds fill the sky, casting dramatic shadows over the figures and tan-colored sand.

Egypt and Nubia, Volume III: Approach of the Simoon-Desert at Gizeh

1849

Louis Haghe, F. G. Moon, David Roberts

(British, 1806–1885), (British, 1797–1871), (Scottish, 1796–1864)
England, 19th century

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork