Artwork

Mendurah in my House in Cairo

Mendurah in my House in Cairo, by John Frederick Lewis, watercolor, 1843
Mendurah in my House in Cairo, by John Frederick Lewis, watercolor, 1843

Mendurah in my House in Cairo is a watercolor work on paper by the Orientalist artist John Frederick Lewis. It dates from 1843 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Mendurah in my House in Cairo is a watercolour painting depicting a historic interior scene.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows the Mandara, the main reception room of a house in Cairo, featuring mashrabiya screens at the windows and ornate architectural details.

Technique & Style

The artist employed watercolour to capture the room's light and atmosphere, using soft colours and delicate lines to convey a sense of elegance and refinement.

History & Provenance

The painting was created using detailed sketches made during the artist's stay in Cairo, later referenced to produce the work after his return to England in 1850.

Artist & collection

Portrait of John Frederick Lewis

Artist

John Frederick Lewis

John Frederick Lewis (1804–1876) was an English Orientalist painter. He specialized in Oriental and Mediterranean scenes in detailed watercolour or oils, very often repeating the same composition in a version in each…