Elegant copperplate engraving from the mid-1700th century, showing a panoramic view of old Cairo seen from the opposite bank of the Nile, with a pyramid visible on the horizon. The composition is dominated by the broad course of the river in the foreground, rendered with dense, horizontal lines that create calm, depth and a sense of quiet movement. On the opposite bank, palm groves, low buildings and minarets form Cairo's characteristic silhouette, while small boats and figures along the bank add life without disturbing the balance of the whole.

The print comes from Frederik Ludvig Norden's work. Journey to Egypt and Nubia, first published in Copenhagen in 1755. Norden was a Danish naval officer and trained draftsman, and his work marks a decisive shift in European representations of Egypt. Instead of imaginative or symbolic representations, he based his illustrations on direct observation and surveying, resulting in remarkably accurate depictions of landscape, architecture, and everyday life along the Nile.

The discreet pyramid “in the distance” is a particularly strong element, connecting the vibrant, contemporary Cairo with Egypt’s ancient past in one unified and subdued image. The result is a calm and timeless composition that appeals both to collectors of early travelogues from Egypt and to decorators seeking a horizontal work with historical weight and a neutral, harmonious color scheme.

Details

Motive: Old Cairo on the Nile with pyramids in the distance
Artist: Frederik Ludvig Norden
Origin: Copenhagen, Denmark
Technique: Copper plug
Material: Paper
Year: Approximately 1755
Period: Mid-1700th century

Condition

Good antique condition. Light age-related patination and faint, scattered stains, typical of 1700th century paper. Fully visible plate mark. Intact margins. No cracks, defects or restoration observed.

Dimensions

Height: 29 cm
Width: 44,6 cm
Paper thickness: about 0,2 mm