Siout [Asyût]. Upper Egypt.

A hand-painted replica of David Roberts’s masterpiece Siout [Asyût]. 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 (1796–1864) was a Scottish painter renowned for his detailed and picturesque depictions of landscapes and architectural scenes, particularly those from his travels in the Middle East and North Africa. One of his works, Siout [Asyût]. Upper Egypt, is part of his extensive collection of lithographs and paintings that document his journey through Egypt and the Holy Land in the 1830s. This artwork captures the city of Asyut (also spelled Siout), a significant urban center in Upper Egypt located along the Nile River.

Asyut, historically an important city, served as a hub for trade and culture in ancient and medieval Egypt. By the time Roberts visited in 1838, it was a thriving provincial capital known for its strategic location and its role in connecting the Nile Valley with the Western Desert. Roberts' depiction of Asyut reflects his keen interest in the region's natural and architectural beauty, as well as its cultural significance.

The artwork was created as part of Roberts' larger project to document the landscapes and monuments of the Middle East. His journey was undertaken with the support of lithographer Louis Haghe, who later transformed Roberts' sketches and paintings into a series of hand-colored lithographs. These works were published between 1842 and 1849 in a collection titled The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt, and Nubia. This publication was highly influential and remains a valuable visual record of the region during the 19th century.

In Siout [Asyût]. Upper Egypt, Roberts portrays the city with a backdrop of the Nile River and the surrounding desert landscape. The composition highlights the interplay between the natural environment and human settlement, a recurring theme in his works. The details of the architecture, including domed structures and minarets, provide insight into the Islamic architectural style prevalent in the region at the time. The inclusion of local figures and boats on the Nile adds a sense of daily life and activity to the scene.

David Roberts' works, including this depiction of Asyut, are celebrated for their accuracy and artistic quality. They offer a glimpse into the 19th-century Middle East and have been praised for their role in shaping Western perceptions of the region. Today, Roberts' lithographs and paintings are held in high regard by art historians and collectors, and they continue to be studied for their historical and artistic significance.