Gate of Victory [Bab an-Nasr], and Mosque of El Hakim. 1846 - 1849

David Roberts's "Gate of Victory [Bab an-Nasr], and Mosque of El Hakim" (1846-1849) is a romantic depiction of the historic gate and mosque in Cairo, Egypt. The watercolor showcases Roberts's skill in capturing the architectural grandeur and the bustling life of the city. The towering gate, a testament to the city's fortified past, stands as a prominent feature, while the mosque's minaret reaches skyward. The depiction of a camel caravan passing through the gate adds a sense of movement and captures the unique atmosphere of the Middle East. This artwork is a testament to the artist's fascination with exotic locales and the romanticism of the Orient, a popular theme in 19th-century European art.