The Aqueduct Seen from the Island of Rhoda, Cairo, Egypt by David Roberts
Description: "The Aqueduct Seen from the Island of Rhoda, Cairo, Egypt" by David Roberts is a striking landscape that captures the monumental aqueduct, known as the Nilometer, as viewed from the lush and historic Island of Rhoda (or Rawdah) on the Nile River. Painted in the mid-19th century, this work is part of Roberts' extensive series of paintings documenting his travels throughout the Middle East and North Africa. The composition features the aqueduct stretching across the landscape, with its tall arches and supporting columns, silhouetted against the Egyptian sky. The foreground includes the palm trees and greenery of the Island of Rhoda, while the calm waters of the Nile reflect the soft light of the day, creating a tranquil yet majestic scene.
Roberts employs a palette of warm earth tones, soft blues, and greens, using fine brushwork to capture the details of the aqueduct’s arches and the lush vegetation of the island. His use of light creates a sense of depth and highlights the architectural grandeur of the aqueduct, emphasizing its historical importance in the region. "The Aqueduct Seen from the Island of Rhoda" exemplifies Roberts' ability to combine realism with a Romantic sensibility, celebrating both the architectural achievements and the natural beauty of Egypt.
Details:
-
Location and Date Created: Cairo, Egypt, mid-19th century.
-
Medium: Likely watercolor or oil on canvas.
-
Full Artwork Name: The Aqueduct Seen from the Island of Rhoda, Cairo, Egypt.
-
Artwork Style: Orientalism, Romanticism.
-
Subject/Topic: A landscape view of the aqueduct in Cairo, as seen from the Island of Rhoda, capturing the historic structure and the natural surroundings along the Nile River.