The hypæthral temple at Philæ called the Bed of Pharaoh. 1846 - 1849

David Roberts created this watercolor painting of the hypaethral temple at Philae at an unknown date. The view presents the temple as a destination for tourism and the exploration of ancient sites. Roberts, who was originally a scene painter for the theatre, worked from sketches to create the artwork. His mastery of watercolor allows him to create a record of the temple's appearance. The stone of the temple is rendered with precision. Consider too the labor involved in the quarrying and construction of the temple centuries earlier, built from stone blocks and precisely carved columns. Roberts’ painting doesn’t just represent architecture; it also evokes the historical importance of craft traditions and the sheer human effort invested in monumental structures. This challenges the traditional hierarchy between art and craft, inviting us to appreciate both the artist’s skill and the craftsmanship of the temple builders.