Early Morning in the Wilderness of Shur

Artist Frederick Goodall (London, England, 1822 - 1904)

Date1860

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 26.4 cm, Width: 79.8 cm
Frame: Height: 52.7 cm, Width: 105.7 cm

AcquisitionBequeathed in 1941 by Mrs Taylor.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG002447

Keywords

About MeThe interest in Egypt and the Bible Lands of the Middle East reached a climax in the second half of the nineteenth century. Frederick Goodall, painted a number of views of Egypt and Egyptian life evoking a romantic notion of camel caravans, arab traders and desert skies, together with serious illustrations of scenes from the Bible, which were popularly exhibited at the Royal Academy. These are the visions of biblical times that continue to illustrate many prayer books and bibles, even to this day.

In this painting (a larger version is in the Guild Hall, London) we see an Arab Sheikh addressing his tribe on the breaking up of their encampment at the 'Well of Moses' (Ayoun Mousa) on the eastern shore of the Red Sea; the headland of the Djebil Attaka, on the opposite coast, is the point from which the Israelites are said to have crossed. Painted in glowing colours and slanting shadows, with much rich detail and incident, Frederick Goodall takes the eye and imagination on a journey.
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Englishman Goodall painted many variations of Middle Eastern themes, after visits to Egypt. For authenticity, he even brought back Egyptian sheep and goats as models!