Fragments of a colossal statue at the Memnonium, Thebes — History & Facts
In Fragments of a colossal statue at the Memnonium, Thebes, David Roberts captures the remnants of a grand statue. The painting features earthy tones, with shades of ochre, brown, and hints of green. The setting is dramatic, showcasing the ruins against a vast sky.
The fragmented pieces suggest a once-majestic figure, now reduced to remnants of its former glory. The artwork is painted in oil on canvas, a medium that allows for rich color and texture. Roberts employs detailed brushwork to highlight the textures of the stone and the surrounding landscape. The composition draws the viewer's eye to the towering fragments, emphasizing their scale.
The painting measures approximately 90 x 120 cm, making it a significant piece within Roberts' oeuvre. David Roberts was a Scottish painter known for his detailed depictions of ancient sites. This work, created around 1838, reflects his fascination with Egypt and its history. Roberts traveled extensively, documenting his journeys through sketches that later informed his paintings.
An interesting fact about this piece is that it was inspired by his visit to the Memnonium, a site that housed colossal statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.
More Artworks by David Roberts

Approach to the Fortress of Ibrim.
David Roberts

Karnac [Karnak]. Nov. 29th, 1838.
David Roberts

General view of the ruins of Luxor, from the Nile. 1838.
David Roberts

Pompey’s Pillar, Alexandria.
David Roberts

Temple of Kalabshee [Kalabsha, Kalâbishah], Nubia. Nov. 1838.
David Roberts

Thebes. Great Hall at Karnak. Nov. 28, 1838.
David Roberts

The Fortress of the Alhambra, Granada
David Roberts

Entrance to the tombs of the kings of Thebes. Bab-el-Malouk [Bîbân al-Mulûk].
David Roberts

Temple of Edfou [Idfû], ancient Appolinopolis, Upper Egypt.
David Roberts

Statues of Memnon at Thebes, during the inundation.
David Roberts






