Abou Simbl

Maker Edward Lear (British, 1812-1888)

Collections

British Drawing Highlights

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

Status

Not on view

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).

Object number59.55.808

Terms