
One of the tombs of the caliphs, Cairo.
A hand-painted replica of David Roberts’s masterpiece One of the tombs of the caliphs, Cairo., 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.
"One of the Tombs of the Caliphs, Cairo" is a lithograph created by the Scottish artist David Roberts in the 19th century. This artwork is part of Roberts' renowned series of illustrations depicting scenes from the Middle East, which were published in the collection The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt, and Nubia between 1842 and 1849. The lithographs were based on sketches Roberts made during his travels in the region from 1838 to 1839.
The artwork portrays one of the historic mausoleums located in the "City of the Dead" in Cairo, Egypt. This area, also known as the Qarafa, is a vast necropolis that has been used as a burial site since the early Islamic period. The tombs depicted in Roberts' work are part of the architectural legacy of the Mamluk Sultanate (1250–1517), a period during which Cairo flourished as a center of Islamic art and architecture. The Mamluks were known for their elaborate mausoleums, which often featured domes, minarets, and intricate decorative elements.
Roberts' lithograph captures the grandeur and detail of the tomb's architecture, set against the backdrop of the arid landscape. His work is notable for its accuracy and attention to detail, as well as its romanticized portrayal of the region, which appealed to 19th-century European audiences. The lithographs were produced by Louis Haghe, a prominent Belgian lithographer, who worked closely with Roberts to ensure the fidelity of the final prints.
David Roberts' journey to the Middle East was part of a broader trend of Orientalism in European art and literature during the 19th century. His works provided a glimpse into the architecture, landscapes, and daily life of the region, and they remain valuable historical records of the period. However, it is important to note that Roberts' interpretations were influenced by the artistic and cultural perspectives of his time.
The specific tomb depicted in "One of the Tombs of the Caliphs, Cairo" has not been definitively identified, as Roberts often generalized or combined elements in his compositions. Nevertheless, the artwork serves as a testament to the rich architectural heritage of Cairo and the enduring fascination it has inspired in artists and travelers alike.