Image Details

Nineteenth-century Jezirat Faraun. British artist and traveller David Roberts preserved the Jezirat Faraun of about 1840 in this hand-tinted lithograph. Roberts recorded more buildings than stand today, especially what appears to be a lighthouse, at the island’s extreme right, or southern tip, which would have guided ships sailing up the Gulf of Eilat/Aqabah. The best preserved round defensive tower is included by Roberts at the far left of the island.

With a touch of whimsy, the artist depicts himself putting the final touches on his sketch. His guide, to Roberts’ left, is just barely controlling his exasperation at the delay. The rest of the travel party shows no such compunction and has proceeded onwards.