Portico of the Temple of Edfou [Idfû], Upper Egypt. Nov. 23rd, 1838.

A hand-painted replica of David Roberts’s masterpiece Portico of the Temple of Edfou [Idfû], Upper Egypt. Nov. 23rd, 1838., 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 Portico of the Temple of Edfou [Idfû], Upper Egypt. Nov. 23rd, 1838. is a lithograph based on a sketch he created during his travels in Egypt in 1838. Roberts, a Scottish painter, is renowned for his detailed and accurate depictions of architectural and historical landmarks in the Middle East and North Africa. His works are considered significant records of 19th-century Egypt, capturing the state of ancient monuments before modern restoration efforts.

The Temple of Edfu, located in Upper Egypt, is one of the best-preserved temples from ancient Egypt. Dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus, the temple was constructed during the Ptolemaic period between 237 and 57 BCE. The portico, or the columned entrance hall depicted in Roberts' artwork, is a prominent feature of the temple and showcases the grandeur of Ptolemaic architecture. The columns are adorned with intricate carvings and hieroglyphs, which reflect the religious and cultural practices of the time.

Roberts visited the site on November 23, 1838, as part of his extensive journey through Egypt and the Holy Land. His travels were meticulously documented through sketches and notes, which later served as the basis for a series of lithographs published between 1842 and 1849 under the title The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt, and Nubia. These lithographs were produced by Louis Haghe, a prominent lithographer of the time, and were highly praised for their artistic quality and historical accuracy.

The lithograph of the portico at Edfu captures the scale and detail of the temple's architecture, emphasizing the massive columns and the interplay of light and shadow within the structure. Roberts' work not only serves as an artistic achievement but also as a valuable historical document, providing insight into the condition of the temple in the 19th century. His depictions contributed to the growing interest in Egyptology during this period and influenced Western perceptions of ancient Egyptian culture.

Roberts' journey and subsequent publications were part of a broader trend of European exploration and documentation of the Middle East and North Africa during the 19th century. His works remain widely studied and appreciated for their combination of artistic skill and historical significance.