Abou Simbl
Maker
Edward Lear
(British, 1812-1888)
Collections
ClassificationsDRAWINGS
Date1867
Mediumwatercolor and white opaque watercolor and pen and ink over graphite on wove paper
Dimensions14 x 20 1/8 in. (35.6 x 51.1 cm.)
InscribedInscribed in lower left of recto: 6.50. am. / Abou Simbl Febr 9 / 1867 [also color notations and a Greek inscription]
Inscribed in lower right of recto: 380
Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Gilbert Davis Collection
Label TextIn 1867, Lear, an ardent traveler, returned to Egypt and traveled further south than he ever had before—to the border of Sudan. There he made a pencil sketch (to which he later added watercolor) of the four colossal statues at Abou Simbl (Abu Simbel). Lear visited the site at sunrise, considered the best time of day to view the east-facing statues. He captures the dramatic effect of the figures glowing in the morning sun with white highlights against warm yellow and orange tones. A pair of seated figures in front of one of the statues suggests the immensity of the ancient carvings (2022).Status
Not on viewObject number59.55.808
Terms
