Gate of the Mosque of Saint Sophia 1838

"Gate of the Mosque of Saint Sophia" is a detailed pencil drawing created by the English artist John Frederick Lewis in 1838. This piece depicts a bustling street scene in Istanbul, Turkey, featuring the impressive entrance to the Hagia Sophia mosque. Lewis's meticulous attention to detail captures the architectural grandeur of the gate, showcasing its intricate ornamentation. The presence of figures and animals adds a sense of life and movement, transporting the viewer to a historical moment in the city's daily life. This drawing exemplifies Lewis's fascination with Orientalism, a prevalent artistic movement in the 19th century that focused on depicting the cultures and landscapes of the Middle East.