Mamluk in the Desert Annotated dessiné par Monsieur E. Prisse d'Avennes on the reverse Watercolour on paper, 25.2 x 34.8 cm Provenance: Acquired directly from the family of the artist, thence by descent to the present owner Note: The annotation on the reverse of the present lot revers to the French archaeologist, Egyptologist, architect and writer Achille-Constant-Théodore-Émile Prisse d'Avennes (1807-1879). In 1827 when he reached Egypt, he was hired by the viceroy of Egypt, Muhammad Ali Pasha, as a civil engineer. He spent many years living as an Egyptian, adopting the name Idriss-effendi, learning to speak Arabic and practicing Islam. He stated that adopting Egyptian culture resulted in a greater understanding of Egyptian society and people. Willem de Famars Testas stayed in Egypt with Prisse from 1858 to 1860 and returned back home accompanied by a wealth of drawings and watercolours, which continued to inspire him for the rest of his life. Please note: condition reports and additional photos are available upon request. For more information: info@aagauctioneers.com