Artwork
Biban-el-Molook, or Tombs of the Kings. Belzoni's Tomb. Thebes
Biban-el-Molook, or Tombs of the Kings. Belzoni's Tomb. Thebes is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist George de Sausmarez. It dates from 1855 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This watercolour, titled 'Biban-el-Molook, or Tombs of the Kings.
About this work
The title at the bottom calls it "Biban-el-Molook, or Tombs of the Kings," hinting this might be a real tomb or burial site.
This sketch shows a rocky hillside with a small, crumbling building carved into it. A donkey stands to the left, loaded with a red bundle, while two people—one standing, one sitting—wear simple clothes. The walls look old and weathered, with patches of moss or dirt. The sky is faint, almost erased, and the whole scene feels quiet and worn down.
The title at the bottom calls it "Biban-el-Molook, or Tombs of the Kings," hinting this might be a real tomb or burial site. The artist, a general named Sausmarez, sketched it in 1855, likely while traveling.
Next, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more works like this.
Overview
This watercolour, titled 'Biban-el-Molook, or Tombs of the Kings. Belzoni's Tomb. Thebes', is one of 45 works documenting a journey along the Nile in 1855. Created by George de Sausmarez, it is part of an album housed in a half-bound crimson morocco music binder.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a rocky hillside with a small, weathered tomb or building carved into it, accompanied by a donkey and two figures in simple attire, suggesting a scene of quiet, everyday activity at an ancient burial site.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolour, the work features a subdued colour palette, with a faint sky and emphasis on the textures of the rocky hillside and weathered building, conveying a sense of age and neglect.
History & Provenance
The watercolour is part of an album that includes views from both upstream and downstream sections of the Nile, compiled during Sausmarez's 1855 journey.
Artist & collection
Artist
George de Sausmarez painted watercolors of Egypt’s Nile in the 1850s, recording river scenes and landmarks with quick, transparent washes.
View of the Nile
`View down the Nile. Pasha's Factory S.of Daroot-el Shereef. Upper Egypt'
Album
`Cataracts of Assouan. Midway. - Our Candjia Moored for the Night - On the Nile'
`Approach to Philae'
`Gournou & Hill of the Kings' Tombs - Thebes'
`Stabl-Antar. Ancient Egyptian Cave near Siout. Upper Egypt'
`Saki and Pigeon Towers - Farshoot - On the Nile'
Nazareth
Gule-Hissa Ovassy in the Northern part of Lycia
Ascent to the Summit of Sinai
En Rogel, Holy Land
Ancient Ruins in the land of Edom above the bed of a valley and Arab Date gardens
The Convent of St. Catherine, Mount Sinai, Looking towards the Plain of the Encampment
Entrance to Nablus
Principal range of tombs
Semua
Fountain of Job, Valley of Hinnom
Entrance to the Tombs of the Kings, Jerusalem