Aswan and Elephantine Island - perfect for a touch of elegance and exoticism - David Roberts, Egypt and Nubia 1838

Color lithograph: Aswan and Elephantine Island

This engraving by David Roberts captures the majesty of Aswan and Elephantine Island, revealing a fascinating panorama of these iconic historical sites. Aswan, formerly Syene, is notable for its syenite and granite quarries, essential for the construction of Egypt's obelisks and temples. Ancient tool marks and inscriptions testify to the extensive exploitation of these quarries from the time of the Pharaohs to the Persian invasion. A striking view of these working quarries, with an unfinished obelisk, illustrates the impressive craftsmanship of Egypt's builders.

Elephantine Island, also known as the Island of Flowers, unfolds with its iconic ruins, including a granite gate dating back to the time of Alexander and a temple dedicated to the god Kneph. This temple, built by Pharaoh Ainunoph III in the 15th century BC, preserves intriguing details like the cartouche of Ramses IV. Although many structures have been swallowed up by the sand, the remains of this island are a testament to its former splendor. This engraving will bring a touch of history and exoticism to your home, ideal for those passionate about ancient civilizations and archaeology.

Reproduction of an engraving of a drawing by David Roberts (1796-1864) made during his three-month journey from Alexandria to the temple of Abu Simbel in Nubia, a journey of more than fifteen hundred kilometers.

His drawings were already the subject of considerable success during his lifetime, in particular those published between 1846 and 1849 in the form of three volumes, published in London by FG Moon and entitled Egypt and Nubia, made from the drawings and sketches made during this trip to the banks of the Nile during the winter of 1838-1839, and lithographed by Louis Haghe.