Artwork

Egypt and Nubia, Volume I: Grand Approach to the Temple of Philae, Nubia

Egypt and Nubia, Volume I: Grand Approach to the Temple of Philae, Nubia 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.

About this work

Overview

Egypt and Nubia, Volume I: Grand Approach to the Temple of Philae, Nubia is a lithographic print created by Louis Haghe in 1847. It is part of a larger illustrated volume and showcases Haghe's skill in capturing detailed scenes.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts the monumental approach to the Temple of Philae in Nubia, emphasizing the grandeur of the ancient structure through its imposing columns and towers. Two small figures near the entrance underscore the temple's scale.

Technique & Style

Haghe's lithograph features intricate details, particularly in the carvings on the columns, despite the temple's worn appearance. The pale sky serves to focus attention on the heavy stone forms of the temple.

History & Provenance

Louis Haghe, born in Tournai in 1806, was a British lithographer and watercolourist of Belgian origin. He co-founded the lithographic firm Day & Haghe in London around 1830, establishing himself in the early lithographic trade.

Context

The depiction of ancient ruins like the Temple of Philae was a common theme in Romantic-era art, often used to evoke a sense of history and cultural heritage.