Artwork
Rocks above Gebel et Tayr
Rocks above Gebel et Tayr is a drawing by the Impressionist artist Edward William Cooke. It dates from 1874 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Rocks above Gebel et Tayr is a 1874 pencil drawing by Edward Cooke, capturing a view of Gebel et Tayr in Egypt, with the title inscribed on the work.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts steeply rising rocky cliffs, with a figure in the bottom right, standing with a long stick, observing the scene, suggesting a moment of human presence within a natural landscape.
Technique & Style
Characterized by loose, quick lines and scribble-like marks, the drawing employs cross-hatching—tiny, crisscrossed lines—to achieve depth and texture, particularly in shadowed areas.
History & Provenance
Created during Cooke's January-April 1874 visit to Egypt, the drawing was influenced by F. Goodall, with on-site sketches later supplemented by additional work.
Artist & collection
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