General view of the Island of Philæ, Nubia. Nov. 18th, 1838. (1846-1849)
Technique: Giclée quality print
Recommended by our customers
More about this artwork
David Roberts' evocative painting "General view of the Island of Philæ, Nubia" from 1838 captures the haunting beauty and monumental past of one of Egypt's most treasured sites. Painted during his extensive travels through Egypt and the Holy Land, this artwork presents a panoramic view of the island of Philae, celebrated for its ancient temples and architectural relics.In this beautifully detailed watercolor, Roberts portrays Philae's grand structures amidst a serene riverscape. The foreground features weathered ruins and palm trees, hinting at the layers of history embedded within this sacred site. Focal to the composition is the temple complex, its elaborate stone facades and towering columns stark against the placid Nile and the dusky mountain range in the distance.Roberts skillfully uses light and shadow to emphasize the textures of the ancient stonework and the tranquil waters, creating a sense of timeless splendor that Philae has come to symbolize. The presence of people in traditional attire and small boats gliding on the river infuses life into the scene, adding a human scale to the monumental surroundings.
Delivery
Returns
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.