
From under the Portico of the Temple of Edfu, Upper Egypt
A hand-painted replica of David Roberts’s masterpiece From under the Portico of the Temple of Edfu, Upper Egypt, meticulously crafted by professional artists to capture the true essence of the original. Each piece is created with museum-quality canvas and rare mineral pigments, carefully painted by experienced artists with delicate brushstrokes and rich, layered colors to perfectly recreate the texture of the original artwork. Unlike machine-printed reproductions, this hand-painted version brings the painting to life, infused with the artist’s emotions and skill in every stroke. Whether for personal collection or home decoration, it instantly elevates the artistic atmosphere of any space.
"From under the Portico of the Temple of Edfu, Upper Egypt" is a lithograph created by Scottish artist David Roberts in the 19th century. David Roberts (1796–1864) was a renowned painter and lithographer, celebrated for his detailed and romanticized depictions of architectural and historical sites in the Middle East and North Africa. This particular artwork is part of his monumental series, The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt, and Nubia, which was published between 1842 and 1849. The series was based on sketches Roberts made during his travels in the region from 1838 to 1839.
The lithograph depicts a view from under the portico of the Temple of Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples of ancient Egypt, dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus. The Temple of Edfu, located on the west bank of the Nile in Upper Egypt, was constructed during the Ptolemaic period, between 237 and 57 BCE. Roberts' artwork captures the grandeur of the temple's architecture, emphasizing the massive columns and intricate carvings that characterize the site. The perspective from under the portico highlights the scale and symmetry of the structure, offering viewers a sense of the temple's monumental design.
The lithograph was produced by Louis Haghe, a prominent Belgian lithographer who collaborated with Roberts on the publication of his works. Haghe's skillful use of color and shading brought Roberts' sketches to life, making the series highly popular in Europe during the 19th century. These prints played a significant role in shaping Western perceptions of the Middle East and ancient Egypt, as they provided a visual record of sites that were, at the time, relatively inaccessible to most Europeans.
Roberts' works, including this lithograph, are valued not only for their artistic merit but also for their historical significance. They document the state of these ancient monuments during the 19th century, prior to modern restoration efforts and the impact of tourism. Today, "From under the Portico of the Temple of Edfu, Upper Egypt" remains an important example of Roberts' contribution to the artistic and cultural understanding of Egypt's ancient heritage.