Temple of Dandour, Nubia - for an interior with a unique explorer's eye - David Roberts, Egypt and Nubia 1838

Color lithograph: Temple of Dandour, Nubia

The Temple of Dandur, located on the west bank of the Nile, is a compact treasure trove of Nubian architecture. Built during the reign of Augustus, this temple dedicated to Osiris, Isis, and Horus is a perfect example of the small scale of Nubian temples. Its portico, flanked by two columns, leads to two interior chambers and an adytum containing a painting of Isis. The temple is protected from river erosion by a vast Roman mole, offering a picturesque view of the Nile.

At the rear of the temple, a rock-cut cave with an Egyptian ornament above the doorway is likely the residence of the priest or temple overseer. The walls of the pronaos are decorated with sacred figures of Isis and Osiris, providing a glimpse into ancient rites. Although this small temple has been affected by fires, leaving traces of destruction, it remains an elegant addition to any collection of historical landscapes, perfect for those who appreciate ancient remains and archaeological scenes.

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.