Who painted Egypt and Nubia, Volume I: At Luxor, Thebes, Upper Egypt?

Egypt and Nubia, Volume I: At Luxor, Thebes, Upper Egypt was painted by Louis Haghe in 1847.

Where can I see Egypt and Nubia, Volume I: At Luxor, Thebes, Upper Egypt?

Egypt and Nubia, Volume I: At Luxor, Thebes, Upper Egypt is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Egypt and Nubia, Volume I: At Luxor, Thebes, Upper Egypt?

Egypt and Nubia, Volume I: At Luxor, Thebes, Upper Egypt is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Egypt and Nubia, Volume I: At Luxor, Thebes, Upper Egypt

Louis Haghe , 1847

Egypt and Nubia, Volume I: At Luxor, Thebes, Upper Egypt is a print by the Romanticist artist Louis Haghe. It dates from 1847 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Created in 1847, this lithographic print presents a desolate landscape punctuated by three massive stone columns.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1847, this lithographic print presents a desolate landscape punctuated by three massive stone columns. A modest group of figures—some seated, others standing—gathers near the pillars, while a solitary palm leans to the right. A low wall stretches across the background, and the horizon recedes into a muted sky, emphasizing the timeless stillness of the scene.

Subject & Meaning

The composition captures a fragment of the ancient ruins of Luxor and Thebes, illustrating the enduring presence of monumental architecture amid a barren environment. The juxtaposition of human activity with the weathered stone suggests a contemplation of history’s passage, reflecting 19th‑century European fascination with Egypt’s antiquities and the romantic allure of decay.

Technique & Style

Executed by Louis Haghe, a lithographer trained in watercolor, the print employs fine line work to render the texture of the stone and the subtle gradations of light and shadow. The careful handling of tonal contrast highlights the smooth capitals and carved bases of the columns, while the muted palette conveys the arid atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Louis Haghe (1806–1885), born in Tournai and later based in London, produced the work as part of his series "Egypt and Nubia, Volume I: At Luxor, Thebes, Upper Egypt." The series was issued during a period of heightened European interest in documenting Egyptian sites, and it was distributed through the Day & Haghe partnership, which was a leading lithographic firm in mid‑19th‑century Britain.