An Ancient Obelisk At Matarea, Formerly Heliopolis
1792
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1792
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This watercolor shows a desert scene with a tall, carved obelisk standing alone in the distance. A few people on foot and horseback move around the dry, rocky ground, some pointing or gesturing. Palm trees line the horizon, and the sky is pale and flat, with distant hills barely visible. The artist focused on the contrast between the rough, textured ground and the smooth obelisk. This was made in 1792, when artists often traveled to document ancient sites. Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more works like this.
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