Artwork

Egypt and Nubia: Volume III - No. 34, The Citadel of Cairo, Residence of Mehemet Ali

Egypt and Nubia: Volume III - No. 34, The Citadel of Cairo, Residence of Mehemet Ali 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. This print, 'Egypt and Nubia: Volume III - No.

About this work

Overview

This print, 'Egypt and Nubia: Volume III - No. 34, The Citadel of Cairo, Residence of Mehemet Ali', was created by Louis Haghe in 1840s (exact date disputed, sometimes given as 1838). It is a representation of the Citadel of Cairo, a historic fortified complex.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts the Citadel, originally built in the 12th century, with its notable architectural features, including a dome and minarets. The scene includes people and camels, conveying a sense of activity and daily life.

Technique & Style

Haghe employed a range of earthy tones to create depth and texture, rendering the buildings with intricate detail. The use of lithography allowed for mass production, reflecting the artist's expertise in this medium, developed through his work at Day & Haghe, a prominent London firm.

Context

The work reflects 19th-century European interest in documenting North African architecture and landscapes, aligning with the Romanticism movement's focus on exotic and historical subjects.