Study of 'Philae from Biggeh'

English School, 19th century
16.3 x 36.4 cm
 
Study from the sketchbook, 'Sketches in the East', of 'J.D.T', an as yet unidentified English watercolour artist. The whole temple complex of Philae is shown from the neighbouring island of Biggeh.
 
Along with Abu Simbel, this is one of the most renowned of the numerous monuments moved as a result of the threat of flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Formerly standing on an island in the First Cataract of the Nile, the temple complex was partially flooded for half a century after the building of the Aswan Low Dam. It was moved to the nearby island of Agilkia as part of the UNESCO project.
 
Titled 'Philae from Biggeh' and dated '29 Dec 1861' bottom left corner.