In the slave market at Cairo. (1846-1849)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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"In the Slave Market at Cairo” is a compelling artwork by David Roberts, created between 1846 and 1849. This painting takes us back in time to a bustling slave market in Cairo, providing a poignant and historical glimpse into a practice that has long been abolished.The painting is rich in detail and color, capturing the vibrancy and the harsh realities of the period. In the foreground, we see a group of seated figures, both men and women, some of whom are wrapped in white garments, while others feature stripes and more colorful textiles. Their expressions reflect a range of emotions from resignation to despair, highlighting their grim circumstances.In the background, other figures engage in discussions, perhaps negotiating prices, underscoring the commercial and human interactions that characterized such markets. The artist's use of soft, natural tones in the background, including hints of lush greenery and architectural elements, contrasts with the more vivid colors worn by the figures, drawing attention to the human element of the scene.Through Roberts' masterful use of color and composition, this painting not only serves as a historical document but also evokes a reflective conversation on the human condition and the injustices of slavery.
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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.