Who painted Street in Cairo?

Street in Cairo was painted by Owen Jones in 1832.

Where can I see Street in Cairo?

Street in Cairo is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Street in Cairo?

Street in Cairo is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Street in Cairo?

Museum-quality prints of Street in Cairo are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Street in Cairo

Owen Jones , 1832

Street in Cairo is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Owen Jones. It dates from 1832 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This pencil drawing depicts a 19th-century street scene in Cairo, capturing both architectural details and daily life.

About this work

Overview

This pencil drawing depicts a 19th-century street scene in Cairo, capturing both architectural details and daily life. It is one of eleven works in the Views On The Nile From Cairo To The Second Cataract series (1843).

Subject & Meaning

The drawing focuses on a bustling Cairo street, with the minaret of Mosque al-Burdayni visible in the background. A bridal procession is the central focus, set amidst people engaged in everyday activities, highlighting both celebration and mundane life.

Technique & Style

Executed in pencil, the work utilizes a varied line quality and shading techniques to achieve depth and texture. While the attention to detail suggests a documentary approach, the overall aesthetic aligns with Romantic-era sensibilities, emphasizing atmospheric and emotional resonance.

History & Provenance

Part of the Searight Collection, this drawing (corresponding to plate 1 in its series) has related pieces housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Museum, reflecting its part in a broader 19th-century artistic and exploratory project.

Context

Created during a period of heightened European interest in Orientalist themes, this work reflects the artist's observation of Middle Eastern architecture and customs, blending documentation with aesthetic appeal.

Legacy

As part of Owen Jones's Views On The Nile series, the drawing contributes to the visual and cultural record of 19th-century Cairo, influencing subsequent depictions of Middle Eastern subjects in European art.