Edward William Cooke RA (1811-1880) - Dismantled mosque Old Cairo

Edward William Cooke was meticulous at documenting his sketching trips in the UK and abroad. We are fortunate to have extensive details of his trips and we know therefore that Cooke was in Cairo from roughly 10th January 1874 for several days and then again on 2nd April 1874 for a couple of days before going to Alexandria and back home via Italy and France. [1]
 
Cooke was always interested in architecture and despite his short stays in Cairo he clearly wanted to draw this fascinating work of a 'dismantled mosque'. The depiction of a donkey on the right hand-side suggests it had been adandoned despite the clear beauty on display. Unfortunately, Cooke has not written anything further on which mosque this may be, however, it looks very distinct.
 
This drawing came directly from the studio of Cooke and has been in the same collection since this time through descent. We will be adding other works by Cooke from this collection including an important view of Rome that was clearly used for his Royal Academy exhibition piece of the city.
 
Medium: pencil on paper from Cooke's sketchbook, inscribed l.l. 'DISMANTLED mosque (OLD Cairo)', 16.8 x 11.4cm, mounted (29.4 x 23.5cm).
 
Literature:
 
[1] John Munday. E.W. Cooke 1811-1880: A man of his time, London: 1996. See Appendix 4 p.373.
 
Provenance: Studio of the artist, thence by descent to the previous owner.
 
Condition report: in very good condition with a few small marks which appear to be paint drops.