
Tombs of the caliphs, Cairo.
A hand-painted replica of David Roberts’s masterpiece 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.
"Tombs of the Caliphs, Cairo" is a lithograph created by the Scottish artist David Roberts in the 19th century. Roberts, renowned for his detailed and romanticized depictions of Middle Eastern and North African landscapes, produced this work as part of his larger series documenting his travels in the region. The lithograph is based on sketches Roberts made during his visit to Cairo in 1839, during a broader expedition through Egypt and the Levant.
The artwork depicts the historic necropolis known as the City of the Dead, located in Cairo, Egypt. This area, which spans several kilometers, has served as a burial ground for centuries and is home to numerous mausoleums, mosques, and tombs, many of which were built during the Mamluk and Ottoman periods. The specific structures shown in Roberts' lithograph are part of the so-called "Tombs of the Caliphs," though the name is somewhat misleading, as the tombs are not exclusively those of caliphs but also include the burial sites of sultans, emirs, and other prominent figures.
Roberts' depiction captures the grandeur and architectural beauty of the site, emphasizing the intricate domes, minarets, and decorative elements characteristic of Islamic funerary architecture. The lithograph also includes figures in traditional dress and camels, adding a sense of scale and life to the scene. This approach reflects Roberts' interest in not only documenting architectural landmarks but also portraying the cultural and social atmosphere of the places he visited.
The lithograph was published as part of Roberts' monumental work, The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt, and Nubia, which was released in multiple volumes between 1842 and 1849. This series, produced with the assistance of lithographer Louis Haghe, was highly acclaimed for its artistic quality and historical value. Roberts' works played a significant role in shaping European perceptions of the Middle East during the 19th century, offering a romanticized yet detailed visual record of the region's landscapes and monuments.
Today, "Tombs of the Caliphs, Cairo" is appreciated both as a work of art and as a historical document. It provides insight into the state of Cairo's historic necropolis during the 19th century, a period when many of these structures were in varying states of preservation. Roberts' lithographs remain a valuable resource for historians, art enthusiasts, and those interested in the architectural heritage of the Middle East.