Return of the Mahmal from Mecca
1865
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1865
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Return of the Mahmal from Mecca is a 1865 by Frederick George, a Impressionism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This painting shows a lively street scene. People are gathered around a decorated carriage, and some are on horseback. The buildings in the background have Middle Eastern architectural details. The scene is full of energy, with people moving and interacting with each other. The artist has used a range of colors to bring the scene to life. If you're interested in learning more about the artist who created this painting, you might want to look up George, Frederick.
The drawing depicts the ceremonial return of the Mahmal to Cairo after the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, showing the covered litter carried on a camel as a symbol of royal authority. The procession moves through crowded streets near the Citadel, with onlookers including soldiers, dervishes, holy men, magicians, and other spectators. The scene reflects the cultural and religious significance of the event in 19th-century Cairo. The work was sold at Sotheby's in 1968 as part of a larger lot.
Read the full account in the museum source.
Frederick George had a knack for drawing scenes so sharp you’d swear you could step into them.
See the richer artist page
![Advanced guard & Baggage of the Royal artillery landi[ng] a[t] Alexandria en route for India](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/605f6f4d9d8dfe93/thumb.webp)
