Catalog Archive
Auction 137, Lot 811

"Alexandria", Bruyn, Cornelius de

Subject: Alexandria, Egypt

Period: 1698 (circa)

Publication: Reizen door de vermaardste Deelen van Klein Asia

Color: Hand Color

Size:
25 x 11.4 inches
63.5 x 29 cm
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This panoramic view of the great harbor of Alexandria with Roman ruins in the foreground was created by Cornelius de Bruyn (1652-1726), a Dutch artist who traveled through the Holy Land and other portions of Asia. De Bruyn had to disguise his activities because this was a repressive period during the Ottoman rule when foreigners were regarded with suspicion and the making of "graven images" was prohibited. De Bruyn avoided detection by pretending to be picnicking with two Franciscan monks who stood guard while he made his drawings. His works are particularly historically valuable because of their accuracy.

References:

Condition: A

A few minor tears and holes in blank margins that have been professionally repaired.

Estimate: $275 - $350

Sold for: $200

Closed on 9/14/2011

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