Sphinx And Pyramids – Egypt: Original Lithograph

Artist: Paul Hogarth
Price: £125.00
Publisher: The Artist & The Curwen Studio, UK
Publication date: c.1995
Format: Original lithograph
Condition: Very good indeed, unframed
Sheet Size: 54cm x 74cm
Edition: Printers’s Proof

Description

This original lithograph by Paul Hogarth is one from a number that he produced at the Curwen Studio. The print, measuring 54cm x 74cm, is a printer’s proof. It is not signed by the artist. Lithographic image bright and clean. The overall condition is very good indeed with very slight creasing.

Paul Hogarth: A Short Biography

Paul Hogarth (1917–2001) was a distinguished British artist and illustrator, widely recognised for his work in the fields of drawing and illustration, particularly his depiction of architectural and urban landscapes. Hogarth’s work is celebrated for its detailed and evocative portrayals of the human experience within the built environment.

Early Life and Education

Paul Hogarth was born on October 4, 1917, in Kendal, Cumbria, England. He grew up in a working-class family, which later influenced his political views and the themes in his work. Hogarth’s formal art education began at the Manchester School of Art in 1934, where he developed his skills in drawing and painting. He later continued his studies at St. Martin’s School of Art in London.

Career and Artistic Development

During the 1930s, Hogarth became involved with leftist political movements, including the Communist Party of Great Britain. This political engagement deeply influenced his early work, which often depicted the struggles of the working class and the impact of industrialization. In 1936, he joined the Mass Observation project, a social research organization that documented everyday life in Britain. Hogarth’s artistic career was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the British Army. After the war, he travelled extensively, and his experiences abroad became a significant influence on his work. Hogarth’s travels took him across Europe, Africa, and Asia, where he documented his surroundings through detailed sketches and watercolours.

Collaboration with Writers

One of Hogarth’s most significant contributions to the arts was his collaboration with renowned writers, including Graham Greene and Lawrence Durrell. His illustrations for Greene’s novels, such as “Our Man in Havana” and “Travels with My Aunt”, brought him widespread acclaim. Hogarth’s ability to capture the essence of a story through his drawings made these collaborations particularly successful.

Later Life and Legacy

In the later years of his career, Paul Hogarth continued to travel and create, with his work becoming more focused on urban landscapes and the interaction between people and their environments. He was elected a Royal Academician in 1974, a testament to his impact on the British art scene. Hogarth’s work is held in numerous public and private collections, and he is remembered as one of the most significant British illustrators of the 20th century. His legacy lives on through his detailed and evocative illustrations that continue to inspire and captivate audiences.

Paul Hogarth passed away on December 27, 2001, leaving behind a rich legacy of artwork that documented the world with a unique blend of realism and social commentary.

The Great Sphinx of Giza: A Short History

The Great Sphinx of Giza is one of the most iconic monuments in Egypt and one of the most recognisable symbols of ancient Egyptian civilisation. Located on the Giza Plateau, near Cairo, the Sphinx is a colossal limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a human, believed to represent a pharaoh.

Origins and Construction

The Sphinx is generally believed to have been constructed during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre (also known as Chephren) around 2500 BCE, during the Old Kingdom of Egypt. Khafre was the builder of the second-largest pyramid at Giza, and it is thought that the Sphinx was intended to serve as a guardian of the pyramid complex. Carved directly from the bedrock of the Giza Plateau, the Sphinx is approximately 73 metres (240 feet) long and 20 metres (66 feet) high. Its face is believed to represent Khafre himself, though some theories suggest it may depict another pharaoh or even a god. The lion’s body symbolises strength and power, while the human head represents intelligence and authority.

Erosion and Restoration

Over the millennia, the Sphinx has suffered significant erosion, primarily due to wind, sand, and the effects of the water table. The nose and beard of the Sphinx are notably missing, leading to various legends about their removal, though it is most likely due to deliberate defacement by later rulers or invaders. The Sphinx has undergone several restoration efforts throughout history, starting as early as the New Kingdom (around 1400 BCE), when Pharaoh Thutmose IV is said to have cleared away the sand that had buried the Sphinx up to its shoulders. He commemorated this event with the “Dream Stele,” placed between the Sphinx’s paws. In more recent times, modern restoration efforts have aimed to preserve the structure and prevent further damage, though these efforts have sometimes been controversial due to the techniques used.

Cultural Significance

The Sphinx has long captured the imagination of people around the world. In ancient Egypt, it was associated with the sun god Ra and was a symbol of royal power. The Greeks and Romans later linked the Sphinx to their own myths, though these interpretations were often quite different from the Egyptian understanding.

The Great Sphinx of Giza remains one of the most studied and admired monuments of ancient Egypt, embodying the mystery, grandeur, and enduring legacy of the civilisation that built it. Today, it continues to attract millions of visitors each year, standing as a testament to the architectural and artistic achievements of the ancient Egyptians.

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Visit Hornseys today to explore our fine collection of Paul Hogarth’s artworks and books. Whether you are an avid collector or looking for a special gift, our selection offers something truly unique. Located since 1976 in Ripon in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, we are recognised as a destination gallery for tastefully curated artwork, design, and fine books.