Study of the 'Pyramids of Darshur'

English School, 19th century
Dimensions: 7 x 25 cm
Framed Dimensions: 16.5 x 35.5 cm
Titled  'Pyramids of Darshur' and dated '24 Nov 1861', in pencil at the bottom left corner.
 
Study from the sketchbook, 'Sketches in the East', of 'J.D.T', an as yet unidentified English watercolour artist. The royal necropolis of Dashur is depicted as seen from the Nile. Located on the west bank of the river approximately 40 kilometers from Cairo, the site includes two of the oldest, largest and best preserved pyramids in Egypt. Both built by the Old Kingdom pharaoh, Sneferu (2613-1589 BC), the 'Bent' pyramid, its distinctive shape clear, is unique amongst the surviving pyramids of Egypt as its much of its original polished limestone outer casing survives.