#39305 Edward Lear

The drawing presents a monumental architectural structure dominating the foreground. It appears to be a colossal gateway or pylon, constructed from large stone blocks exhibiting considerable weathering and age. The stonework is rendered with meticulous detail, capturing the texture of the surface and the play of light across its planes. Hieroglyphic inscriptions are visible on the upper registers of the structure, though their precise meaning remains obscured within the drawings execution.
The composition employs a strong sense of perspective, guiding the viewer’s eye toward a distant horizon line. A stepped platform or foundation is situated to the left of the gateway, adding depth and scale to the scene. The ground plane consists of sandy terrain scattered with rocks and sparse vegetation. In the background, faint outlines of other structures are discernible on the horizon, suggesting an expansive complex beyond the immediate focus.
The artist’s use of color is restrained, primarily employing earth tones – ochres, browns, and muted yellows – to convey a sense of antiquity and desolation. The light source appears to be coming from the right, casting shadows that accentuate the three-dimensionality of the stonework. A small inscription in the lower right corner provides date information (20. 21. July 1854) and what seems to be a location label (“Heba. Alexandria”).
Subtly, the drawing conveys an atmosphere of awe and contemplation. The sheer size of the structure dwarfs any potential human presence, emphasizing its enduring power and historical significance. The weathered condition of the stonework suggests the passage of time and the inevitable decay that affects even the most imposing constructions. Theres a sense of discovery and documentation; the artist seems intent on recording the details of this ancient site with precision and reverence. The inclusion of notes in the lower left corner indicates an attempt at understanding or measuring aspects of the structure, further reinforcing this impression of scholarly observation.