The Western Eye

These objects look at the fascination which European travellers have had with examples of Islamic architecture within the Near East, the Middle East and beyond. By looking at a wide variety of objects from the V&A Prints, Drawings & Paintings collection, we journey through architectural, illustrative and topographical views of peoples, buildings and landscapes from countries united by a common Islamic cultural identity.

  • The Fort, Palace of Akbar

    Samuel Bourne, The Fort, Palace of Akbar, Taj Mahal in the distance, 19th century. Museum no. 53:243

  • Measured drawing of the Dome of the Rock

    William Harvey, Measured drawing of the Dome of the Rock, pen, ink and colour, 1909. Museum no. E.1267-1963

  • Interior of the Umayyad Mosque

    R. P. Spiers, Interior of the Umayyad Mosque, Damascus, watercolour, 19th century. Museum no. E.5-1917

  • Egypt and Nubia

    David Roberts, Egypt and Nubia, volume III, volume of lithographs, about 1850. Museum no. 95.H.44

  • Interior of a room, Cairo

    Frank Dillon, Interior of a room, Cairo, gouache, about 1875. Museum no. SD.332

  • After the Indian Mutiny

    Felice Beato, After the Indian Mutiny, volume of photographs, about 1858. Museum no. X 131

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