Approach of the simoom. Desert of Gizeh. 1846 - 1849

David Roberts made this print of the desert of Gizeh in the 19th century. It depicts travelers caught in a simoom, a fierce desert sandstorm. The image is a potent mix of Romanticism's sublime terror and British colonial ambition. Roberts, like many artists of his time, traveled to the Middle East, drawn by its exoticism and historical significance. Egypt, in particular, held a powerful allure, its ancient monuments embodying a glorious past ripe for rediscovery. The print showcases not just the landscape, but also Britain's growing interest in, and domination of, the region. We see the Sphinx and pyramids, symbols of ancient power, juxtaposed with contemporary figures struggling against the elements. The storm, though destructive, adds a layer of drama, a test of human resilience against nature's might. To understand this print, we must consider the social context of its creation and the institutional history that shapes its creation. Research into British colonial history and the art market of the time will help us interpret its meanings more fully.