Gate of the Metwaleys [Bab Zuwayla], Cairo. 1846 - 1849

David Roberts' 1846-1849 watercolor, "Gate of the Metwaleys [Bab Zuwayla], Cairo" depicts the historic gate and surrounding area. This artwork, a testament to the artist's fascination with the architectural grandeur of the Middle East, captures the intricate details of the stonework and the bustling life of Cairo's streets. Roberts's attention to detail, evident in the layered structure of the gate and the lively depiction of local figures, allows viewers to immerse themselves in the heart of 19th-century Cairo. This watercolor is a prime example of the Romantic interest in the exotic and the architectural beauty of distant lands.