North Gate at Dendarah, from Egypt and Nubia, Vol. 1 by David Roberts
Description: "North Gate at Dendarah" from Egypt and Nubia, Vol. 1 by David Roberts is a striking lithograph that depicts the grand entrance of the Temple of Hathor at Dendera, an important ancient site in Upper Egypt. Created in the mid-19th century as part of Roberts' famous series of illustrations from his travels in Egypt and Nubia, this work reflects his fascination with Egypt’s monumental architecture and cultural heritage. The composition shows the imposing pylon gate of the temple complex, with its massive stone walls and intricately carved reliefs. The scene is animated by figures of local inhabitants, both adults and children, moving through the area, which provides a sense of scale and emphasizes the timelessness of the ancient structure amidst daily life.
Roberts uses a palette of soft earth tones, grays, and blues in the lithograph to convey the texture of the stone and the warm light typical of the Egyptian landscape. His meticulous attention to detail captures the grandeur of the gate’s carvings and the subtle interplay of light and shadow on its surface. "North Gate at Dendarah" exemplifies Roberts' ability to blend accurate architectural representation with a sense of Romanticism, celebrating the enduring beauty and mystery of Egypt's ancient sites.
Details:
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Location and Date Created: Dendera, Egypt, mid-19th century (1846-1849 as part of the Egypt and Nubia volumes).
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Medium: Lithograph.
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Full Artwork Name: North Gate at Dendarah, from Egypt and Nubia, Vol. 1.
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Artwork Style: Orientalism, Romanticism.
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Subject/Topic: A view of the North Gate of the Temple of Hathor at Dendera, capturing its monumental architecture and the surrounding life in 19th-century Egypt.