John Frederick Lewis, R.A.

Agnew's, London

The colours have remained fresh and clear. The buff-coloured paper has darkened slightly, and around the extreme edges of the sheet brown lines are visible under the mount. These are associated with previous and current mounting. There are several very small areas of minor paper staining scattered throughout different parts of the composition, however these marks are largely speaking away from the painted surface. The sheet has not been laid down, however it is attached to a back board along the edges verso.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

John Frederick Lewis, unique amongst his contemporaries, spent ten years living and working in Egypt. Between 1841 and 1851 the city of Cairo, the desert of Sinai and their inhabitants were a constant source of inspiration. Although he lived within the walls of Cairo itself, Lewis often travelled into the desert to sketch the Bedouin people and their way of life. He clearly enjoyed these sojourns as he once hailed the desert as a place where 'there were no crowds to jostle [him]' (see Major-General Michael Lewis, John Frederick Lewis R.A.,1978, p. 23).

The present work is typical of the type of drawings he executed at this time. Although not inscribed, it is likely to portray the Bedouin people near Mount Sinai, to the south east of Cairo. In Leeds City Art Gallery there exists another Lewis drawing entitled Desert of Mount Sinai. This is very similar in size and appears to depict the same encampment.