Who painted Family of Egyptian Fellahin, at Tomb Entrance?

Family of Egyptian Fellahin, at Tomb Entrance was painted by Dominique Vivant Denon in 1788.

Where can I see Family of Egyptian Fellahin, at Tomb Entrance?

Family of Egyptian Fellahin, at Tomb Entrance is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Family of Egyptian Fellahin, at Tomb Entrance?

Family of Egyptian Fellahin, at Tomb Entrance is associated with Orientalism.

Artwork

Family of Egyptian Fellahin, at Tomb Entrance

Dominique Vivant Denon , 1788

Family of Egyptian Fellahin, at Tomb Entrance is a watercolor work on paper by the Orientalist artist Dominique Vivant Denon. It dates from 1788 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Dominique Vivant‑Denon’s watercolour, dated 1788, depicts a small Egyptian family gathered before the entrance of a rock‑cut tomb.

About this work

Overview

Dominique Vivant‑Denon’s watercolour, dated 1788, depicts a small Egyptian family gathered before the entrance of a rock‑cut tomb. The composition centers on a nursing mother, a squatting man with a pot, and scattered domestic objects, while the tomb façade behind them bears simple carved figures. The work is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

The scene offers a glimpse of daily life among Egyptian fellahin, juxtaposing ordinary domestic activity with the ancient funerary architecture that frames them. By placing the family at the threshold of a tomb, the image suggests a continuity between contemporary rural existence and the long‑standing cultural landscape of Egypt.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolor, the drawing combines loose, sketch‑like washes with fine linear detail. Denon incorporates faint hieroglyphic‑style inscriptions on the tomb wall, blending authentic Egyptian motifs with his own observational approach. The palette is muted, emphasizing the dusty atmosphere and the contrast between the figures and the carved backdrop.

History & Provenance

Created during Denon’s expedition to Egypt in the late 18th century, the work reflects the period’s fascination with documenting antiquities firsthand. After its completion, the watercolour entered various collections before being acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum, where it remains on display as part of the museum’s Egyptian art holdings.