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The Island of Philae with the Kiosk

Dighton

1848

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Orientalism Romanticism Early 19th Century Ruins

Dominant colour

The Island of Philae with the Kiosk is a 1848 watercolor by Dighton, a Orientalism work, depicting Ruins, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Dighton
When & what style?: 1848 · Orientalism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This painting shows old stone ruins by a river, with tall columns and crumbling walls. Palm trees line the water’s edge, and a small boat floats in the distance. The sky is pale, and the colors are soft, like faded sunlight on weathered stone. The artist focused on the quiet beauty of decay, blending nature and man-made structures. The scene feels both grand and lonely, with light playing across the ruins. Next, check out Romanticism to see how artists used emotion and nature in their work.

The story of this work

Overview

The watercolor depicts the Island of Philae, featuring the columned kiosk, also known as Pharaoh's Bed or the Temple of Trajan, positioned in the middle distance on the left. In the far background to the left, the southern pylon of the Temple of Isis is visible.

Read the full account in the museum source.