Artwork

Egypt and Nubia: Volume II - No. 42, Ruins of Kom Ombo

Egypt and Nubia:  Volume II - No. 42, Ruins of Kom Ombo, by Louis Haghe, 1838
Egypt and Nubia:  Volume II - No. 42, Ruins of Kom Ombo, by Louis Haghe, 1838

Egypt and Nubia: Volume II - No. 42, Ruins of Kom Ombo is a print by the Romanticist artist Louis Haghe. It dates from 1838 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Egypt and Nubia: Volume II - No.

About this work

Overview

Egypt and Nubia: Volume II - No. 42, Ruins of Kom Ombo is an 1838 print by Louis Haghe, a Belgian-born British artist. It forms part of a series documenting archaeological sites in Egypt and Nubia.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts the ancient ruins of Kom Ombo, showcasing a crumbling stone structure with intricate carvings, set against a desert landscape. Figures in the foreground provide scale, highlighting the monument's grandeur.

Technique & Style

Created using lithography, the work reflects Haghe's training in both watercolour and lithographic techniques. The piece embodies characteristics of Romanticism, emphasizing emotive and imaginative representation through warm, earthy tones and the juxtaposition of decay with former glory.

History & Provenance

Produced in 1838, the print was part of Haghe's contributions to the *Egypt and Nubia* series. Haghe, co-founder of the London-based firm Day & Haghe (established circa 1830), utilized his skills to capture the essence of these ancient sites for Victorian audiences.

Context

The work was created during the early Victorian era, a time of growing interest in antiquity and exploration. It catered to this fascination, offering viewers a glimpse into the ancient world through meticulously detailed lithography.

Legacy

As part of the *Egypt and Nubia* series, *Ruins of Kom Ombo* contributed to the broader documentation and popularization of Egyptian and Nubian archaeological sites during the 19th century, influencing how these cultures were perceived in Europe.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Louis Haghe

Artist

Louis Haghe

Louis Haghe (17 March 1806 – 9 March 1885) was a lithographer and watercolourist from the Netherlands and then the United Kingdom.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.