Thebes. Dec. 4th, 1838. (1846-1849)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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David Roberts' luminary painting, "Thebes. Dec. 4th, 1838" (created during 1846-1849), gracefully captures the majestic solitude of the Colossi of Memnon in Thebes, Egypt. These colossal statues, depicted under a serene but expansive sky, represent Pharaoh Amenhotep III, seated on his throne, and were originally constructed to guard the necropolis. Roberts, with a keen eye for detail, illustrates the immense scale and ancient grandeur of these statues as they loom large against the backdrop of the distant mountains and the sweeping desert.In this watercolor, the Scottish artist enticingly portrays the light and shadow play across the stone surfaces, illustrating the harsh Egyptian sunlight that casts sharp contrasts and softens the edges of these archaeological wonders. Human figures, minuscule in comparison, provide a sense of scale, emphasizing the monumentality of the statues. The travelers and explorers, depicted in the artwork, appear almost ephemeral, transient observers of this timeless scene.Roberts' work not only documents an important historical and cultural landmark but also evokes the enduring allure of Egypt’s ancient civilizations, drawing viewers into a reflective journey through time.
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David Roberts (24 October 1796 – 25 November 1864) was a Scottish painter. He is especially known for The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt, and Nubia, a prolific series of detailed lithograph prints of Egypt and the Near East that he produced from sketches he made during long tours of the region (1838–1840). These and his large oil paintings of similar subjects made him a prominent Orientalist painter. He was elected as a Royal Academician in 1841.