Artwork

Nile Journey, Colossi of Memnon

Nile Journey, Colossi of Memnon, by Elihu Vedder, chalk, 1890
Nile Journey, Colossi of Memnon, by Elihu Vedder, chalk, 1890

Nile Journey, Colossi of Memnon is a chalk drawing by the Impressionist artist Elihu Vedder. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Nile Journey, Colossi of Memnon is a drawing created by Elihu Vedder in 1890. It is executed in colored chalk on blue wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts the Colossi of Memnon, ancient Egyptian ruins, set in a serene landscape with a flat green field and distant mountains. The scene conveys a sense of quiet and mysticism, reflecting Vedder's interest in exotic themes.

Technique & Style

Vedder used colored chalk on blue paper to achieve a dreamy effect, with soft and blurred forms in the background. The contrast between the light chalk and blue paper contributes to the overall quiet atmosphere of the scene.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Elihu Vedder

Artist

Elihu Vedder

Elihu Vedder (26 February 1836 – 29 January 1923) was an American symbolist painter, book illustrator and poet from New York City.

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