Obelisk of Heliopolis. 1839. 1846 - 1849

David Roberts' "Obelisk of Heliopolis" (1846-1849), a lithograph, depicts the ancient Egyptian obelisk standing tall in the desert landscape. The towering monument is covered in hieroglyphs, hinting at its historical significance. Roberts, renowned for his detailed and romantic depictions of the Middle East, captures the scale and grandeur of the obelisk. The image is further enhanced by the presence of figures in traditional Egyptian attire, adding a human element to the scene and emphasizing the contrast between ancient history and modern times.