Artwork
Sheik Abdul Kadir Mugrabi - The Magician of Egypt
Sheik Abdul Kadir Mugrabi - The Magician of Egypt is a watercolor work on paper by the Orientalist artist Godfrey Thomas Vigne. It dates from 1844 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This watercolour painting depicts Sheik Abdul Kadir Mugrabi, known as the Magician of Egypt.
About this work
Overview
This watercolour painting depicts Sheik Abdul Kadir Mugrabi, known as the Magician of Egypt. Created using watercolour techniques, the artwork captures the figure of a magician who gained fame in 19th-century Cairo.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Shaykh Abd al-Qadir al-Maghrabi, was a magician who held séances attended by various notable travellers and writers. His performances involved a young boy gazing into a drop of ink on his palm, seemingly revealing images and answering questions.
History & Provenance
The Shaykh's séances were documented by several prominent visitors, including Edward Lane, who wrote about a particularly impressive session in his 1836 book 'Manners and Customs of the Modern Egyptians'. Lane's account inadvertently made the Shaykh famous, attracting visitors for about 20 years.
Context
The Shaykh's performances coincided with a period of interest in Mesmerism, and his abilities were initially met with enthusiasm, later followed by growing scepticism among his attendees.
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