View of Kom Ombo by David Roberts
Description: "View of Kom Ombo" by David Roberts is a vivid painting that captures the grandeur and mystique of the Temple of Kom Ombo, an ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the eastern bank of the Nile River. Created in the mid-19th century during Roberts' travels in Egypt, this work reflects his fascination with the monumental architecture of the ancient world and his dedication to documenting these historic sites. The composition presents a sweeping view of the Temple of Kom Ombo, with its distinctive twin entrances and columns adorned with intricate hieroglyphs and carvings. The temple stands against the backdrop of a vast desert landscape, with the Nile River faintly visible in the distance.
Roberts uses a warm palette of ochres, sandy yellows, and browns to convey the sunlit stones of the temple and the arid environment surrounding it. His precise brushwork and attention to detail capture the textures of the ancient stone and the temple’s architectural features. The inclusion of small figures, such as local people and travelers, adds a sense of scale and context, underscoring the temple's monumental size and its significance as a site of historical and cultural interest. "View of Kom Ombo" exemplifies Roberts' Romantic and Orientalist style, combining topographical accuracy with a sense of wonder and reverence for the ancient Egyptian civilization.
Details:
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Location and Date Created: Kom Ombo, Egypt, mid-19th century.
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Medium: Lithograph originally based on watercolor sketches; later editions in oil.
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Full Artwork Name: View of Kom Ombo.
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Artwork Style: Romanticism, Orientalism.
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Subject/Topic: A landscape depicting the Temple of Kom Ombo in Egypt, capturing its architectural grandeur and the unique atmosphere of its desert setting.
