Plate 119 Temple on Gebel Garabe - After David Roberts

A depction of the Ancient Egyptian Temple on Gebel Garabe by David Roberts. It shows a view of the Temple of Hathor which is usually known as Serabit el-Khadim, in Sinai, Egypt. Considering the proximity to Mount Sinai, it has been suggested that the 'Golden Calf' idol crafted by the Hebrews during Moses' absence may be a reference to the goddess Hathor, who was often depicted zoomorphically as a cow. Roberts' view of the site shows a number of Egyptian stelae amongst the temple foundations, as well as a colossal column capital featuring the distinctive Hathor-head pattern depicting the goddess with bovine ears and heavy plaited hair. A Bedouin man rests against the top of this fallen capital, whilst two of his fellows stand on the temple foundations.
 
The drawings and watercolours from this tour of the Holy Land and Egypt were collated together into folios and released over a seven year period (1842-1849) by the publisher F.G. Moon from 20 Threadneedle Street London. This lithograph is from the Royal Subscription Edition (1842-1849) with only 500 copies produced per depiction.
 
Medium: Original Royal Subscription Edition, half-plate hand-coloured lithograph on thick woven paper.
 
Half Plate 119.
 
Inscribed lower left 'Temple on Gebel Garabe called Serabit El Khadim Feby 17th 1839', 25.5 x 32 cm, mounted.