Who painted Part of the City of Tombs at Cairo?

Part of the City of Tombs at Cairo was painted by Unknown in 1830.

Where can I see Part of the City of Tombs at Cairo?

Part of the City of Tombs at Cairo is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Part of the City of Tombs at Cairo?

Part of the City of Tombs at Cairo is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Part of the City of Tombs at Cairo

Unknown , 1830

Part of the City of Tombs at Cairo is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1830 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Part of the City of Tombs at Cairo is a drawing created around 1830, depicting a section of Cairo's necropolis. It was one of a set of seven sketches later used to illustrate a publication on Egypt.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing shows a serene courtyard with ancient stone tombs and domed buildings, inhabited by a few figures engaged in quiet activities. The scene conveys a sense of stillness and passage of time, with a mix of ruined and intact structures.

Technique & Style

The artist rendered the tombs with attention to their carved details and simple geometric forms, such as circles, arches, and domes topped with crescent moons. The soft light and calm atmosphere evoke a sense of a moment suspended in time.

History & Provenance

The drawing was adapted from plates in the Description de l'Égypte, a multi-volume work documenting the French military expedition to Egypt. It was later used to illustrate Reverend Michael Russell's 1831 publication, View of Ancient and Modern Egypt, with engravings credited to Branston.