The Tombs of the Mamlouks, Cairo

Details

David Roberts R.A. (1796-1864)
The Tombs of the Mamlouks, Cairo
signed, inscribed and dated 'Cairo Dec 31/1838/Tombs of the Mamlouks./David Roberts. R.A.' (lower right)
pencil and watercolour heightened with white
12½ x 9¼in. (31.7 x 23.5cm.)

Provenance

Probably Sir Frederick Wigan; Christie's London, 9 Dec. 1915, lot 51 (8gns. to Musler).
Anon. sale, Sotheby's London, 19 Nov. 1981, lot 151 (1,100).
with Mathaf Gallery.

Engraved

L. Haghe, lithograph, for D. Roberts, Egypt and Nubia, Vol.III, pl.7, 1849.

Lot Essay

The half-page plate in Egypt and Nubia is entitled 'Ruined Mosques in the Desert West of the Citadel', with a note by Roberts that the place is 'generally called the Tombs of the Mamlooks (sic), - Williamson says erroneously and his authority is great; but this name is so commonly given to them, that it is scarcely desirable to change it'; the 'erroneous' name is still used today.
We are grateful to Briony Llewellyn for her help in preparing this catalogue entry.

More from British Watercolours

View All