"Thebes, Great Hall at Karnak" by David Roberts (1796-1864)

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This lithograph titled "Thebes, Great Hall at Karnak" is a notable work by the Scottish painter David Roberts (1796-1864). This … Read more This lithograph titled "Thebes, Great Hall at Karnak" is a notable work by the Scottish painter David Roberts (1796-1864). This particular scene is part of Roberts' most famous collection, “The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt, and Nubia,” published between 1846 and 1849. This monumental series introduced glories of the Mideast to a European audience. Roberts created his original drawings and watercolors of Egypt during his travels in 1838 to 1839. The exquisitely detailed lithographed plates, from which this piece was made and based on Roberts' on-site sketches, were skillfully executed by Louis Haghe (1806-1885), a master lithographer of the time.
Specifically, this is the Great Hypostyle Hall within the Karnak Temple Complex in Thebes (modern-day Luxor, Egypt). The artist has showcased the site’s massive columns adorned with hieroglyphics and intricate details, capturing the grandeur of this ancient architectural marvel, while depicting locals in the foreground to underscore that scale. Roberts relied on his masterful use of light and shadow to further emphasize the impact of visiting the site.
The Belgian-born lithographer of this piece moved to England in 1823 and in 1830 formed a partnership with William Day, which rapidly became the leading firm for this work being honored in 1838 with the appointment of “Lithographers to the Queen.”

Signature: Lower right. See less