Sharjah Ruler’s Orientalism art collection on display in Sharjah’s Art Museum

Sharjah: Highlighting one of the 19th century’s mainstream artistic movements known as Orientalism, the Sharjah Art Museum is showcasing a selection of art work from the personal collection of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, at the Journey through Egypt - Egypt in the eyes of the Orientalists exhibition.

Displaying a group of 67 water colour drawings by several orientalist artists, the exhibition is an important source of information for historical scholars as they provide timeless records of the Arab civilisation.

Through the medium of art, the collection portrays a group of depictions of holy places, old structures, natural landscapes and other scenes, including ancient and contemporary monuments, and inspirational lifestyles.

Many of the scenes in the paintings were recorded by orientalist artists who were on pilgrimage to Egypt throughout the 19th century. While many of the artists depicted their Oriental objects based on their first-hand experiences, some visited Arab countries on their own as travellers or adventurers. Other artists also accompanied diplomatic, scientific, archaeological or military expeditions.

Out of 67 plates, 62 paintings at the exhibition are painted by David Roberts, one of the most prominent British orientalism artists who shares a deep interest in Islamic architecture and ancient Egyptian archaeological sites which is reflected in his drawings. The other five plates are works by August Osborne, Edward Angelo Goodall, Charles Head and Harry Fenn.

The exhibition which will give visitors an insight into different aspects of the civilisation in this part of the Arab world will run until April 13.