Island of Philæ on the Nile, Nubia. 1846 - 1849

David Roberts made this print of the Island of Philae on the Nile, in Nubia. As we look at this image, we must consider the place of art in empire. Roberts was a Scottish painter known for his detailed depictions of landscapes and architecture, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa. This print reflects a broader 19th-century European fascination with the "Orient," one reinforced by colonial power. Roberts's images contributed to a visual archive that framed these lands as exotic, mysterious, and ripe for Western exploration and control. We might ask ourselves, how does this image create a sense of otherness? What role did such images play in shaping public perceptions of Egypt and its people back in Europe? These are questions that art historians can address by researching travelogues, colonial records, and the popular press of the period, helping to reveal the complex interplay of art, power, and representation.