Collection Online as of February 1, 2023
Egypt and Nubia, Volume III: Interior of the Mosque of the Sultan El Ghoree
Louis Haghe
(British, 1806–1885)
published by
F. G. Moon
(British, 1797–1871)
after David Roberts
(Scottish, 1796–1864)
Color lithograph
Support: Wove paper
Sheet: 43.7 x 60.3 cm (17 3/16 x 23 3/4 in.); Image: 34.2 x 48.7 cm (13 7/16 x 19 3/16 in.)
Bequest of John Bonebrake 2012.257
Catalogue raisonné: Abbey 272:122
Location
116 Islamic
Description
The mosque of the Sultan El Ghoree was built by the Mamluk Sultan, Qansuh al-Ghuri (ruled 1501–16) according to sacred proportions. The lavish complex included an elegant fountain, a college, and the sultan’s own mausoleum, which was never used. Today, the mosque is still part of the historic urban fabric of modern Cairo. This print shows a view into its interior.
Artist David Roberts travelled in the Middle East and North Africa, particularly Egypt, from 1838
to 1839. During his journey, Roberts produced a great number of sketches. He developed these into watercolors, which were the basis for a series of 247 lithographs made by Louis Haghe, of which this is one.
F. G. Moon
Sir Francis Graham Moon, 1st baronet (1796-1871) was a stationer, printer, bookseller, and publisher in London to 1853, after which he devoted himself to public life. He became Lord Mayor in 1854, the same year he was knighted.