
Minaret of the principal mosque. Siout, Upper Egypt.
A hand-painted replica of David Roberts’s masterpiece Minaret of the principal mosque. Siout, 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.
David Roberts' artwork "Minaret of the Principal Mosque, Siout, Upper Egypt" is a lithograph that forms part of his renowned series of illustrations depicting scenes from Egypt and the Near East. This particular piece was created during Roberts' travels in the region in the early 19th century and was later published as part of his monumental work, The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt, and Nubia. The series, published between 1842 and 1849, was based on sketches Roberts made during his journey through Egypt and the Levant from 1838 to 1839.
The lithograph captures the minaret of a mosque in Asyut (historically referred to as Siout), a city in Upper Egypt located along the Nile River. Asyut has long been an important cultural and economic center in the region, and its mosques reflect the architectural styles and religious significance of Islamic Egypt. Roberts' depiction of the minaret highlights the intricate design and craftsmanship characteristic of Islamic architecture, with attention to detail that conveys the grandeur and historical importance of the structure.
David Roberts was a Scottish painter and one of the first European artists to extensively document the landscapes, architecture, and daily life of the Middle East and North Africa. His works were highly regarded for their accuracy and artistic quality, as well as for providing European audiences with a glimpse into regions that were, at the time, relatively unfamiliar to them. The lithographs were produced by Louis Haghe, a skilled Belgian lithographer, whose work further enhanced the visual impact of Roberts' original sketches.
While the specific mosque depicted in this lithograph is not definitively identified, the artwork serves as a valuable historical record of Asyut's architectural heritage during the 19th century. Roberts' works are often praised for their ability to combine artistic expression with documentary precision, offering insights into the cultural and architectural history of the regions he visited.
Today, David Roberts' lithographs, including "Minaret of the Principal Mosque, Siout, Upper Egypt," are considered significant contributions to the study of Orientalist art and 19th-century travel documentation. They remain widely appreciated for their artistic merit and historical value, providing a window into the past for modern audiences.