Who painted The Erection of Cleopatra's Needle?

The Erection of Cleopatra's Needle was painted by Peter le Neve Foster in 1878.

Where can I see The Erection of Cleopatra's Needle?

The Erection of Cleopatra's Needle is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is The Erection of Cleopatra's Needle?

The Erection of Cleopatra's Needle is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

The Erection of Cleopatra's Needle

Peter le Neve Foster , 1878

The Erection of Cleopatra's Needle is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist Peter le Neve Foster. It dates from 1878 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The image is a sepia‑toned photograph documenting the installation of a massive stone obelisk, known as Cleopatra’s Needle.

About this work

Overview

The image is a sepia‑toned photograph documenting the installation of a massive stone obelisk, known as Cleopatra’s Needle. The picture captures the monument in a horizontal position, supported by wooden trestles, as it is being maneuvered toward its final base.

Subject & Meaning

The scene focuses on the practical aspects of moving and positioning the ancient stone, emphasizing the labor and engineering involved rather than decorative composition. Workers on scaffolding and the surrounding landscape underscore the scale of the undertaking.

Technique & Style

Taken with a straightforward camera, the photograph adopts a documentary approach, presenting the event without artistic embellishment. The sepia tone, typical of early 20th‑century photography, lends a muted, historical atmosphere to the industrial activity.

Context

Cleopatra’s Needle, an Egyptian obelisk, was being relocated to a new setting, requiring careful handling and temporary wooden structures. The image records a moment in the broader effort to preserve and display ancient monuments in a modern urban environment.

Legacy

The photograph serves as a visual record of historic preservation practices, illustrating the logistical challenges of moving monumental artifacts. It is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, where it contributes to research on early conservation engineering.