A Persian wheel, used in raising water from the Nile. (1846-1849)

David Roberts' evocative lithograph, "A Persian Wheel, used in raising water from the Nile," offers a glimpse into the ingenuity and tradition of irrigation practices along the Nile River during the mid-19th century. Captured between 1846 and 1849, this artwork highlights the vital role water plays in sustaining life and agriculture in an arid landscape.The painting features a large wooden wheel, known as a sakia or Persian wheel, dominating the composition. This traditional mechanism, powered by oxen, is used for lifting water from the Nile to irrigate the nearby fields. The wheel is intricately constructed with a series of pots attached to a looped chain, designed to scoop water from the river as the wheel turns.Roberts' attention to detail not only showcases the mechanical aspects of the wheel but also the human and animal effort that drives it. Two oxen, guided by a handler, trudge along a worn path, their movement perpetuating the cycle of the wheel. A subtle interaction is depicted between the handler and another figure standing by the wheel, lending a human element to the technological portrayal.The background is softly rendered, with a lone palm tree and distant structures beneath a wide, expansive sky, evoking the vastness and the serene atmosphere of the Nile riverbank. Birds in flight add a dynamic element to the otherwise calm scene, symbolizing the freedom and life that the river supports.Through this lithograph, David Roberts not only documents an essential agricultural tool but also captures the timeless relationship between humans, technology, and the natural environment in Egypt.