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Lot Essay
A follower of the van de Veldes, John Cook's work was mainly concentrated in the Mediterranean and he is best known for his several topographical views of Alexandria. For alternative versions see, E.H.H. Archibald, Dictionary of Sea Painters, 2000, pl. 213 , p. 324 and F.B. Cockett, Peter Monamy, 1681-1749, and his Circle, 2000, pl. 36, p. 117. Probably painted circa 1730-40 this panorama of the ancient port and city of Alexandra can be distinguished from the others by a slightly different treatment of the various vessels outside the harbour. Two further versions were sold in these rooms on 21 May 2008, lot 18 (for £24,500).
The Egyptian city of Alexandria, which takes its name from Alexander the Great who founded it circa 332 BC, is situated on a narrow peninsular between Lake Mareotis and the Mediterranean Sea and is close to the western mouth of the River Nile. Blessed with two harbours thanks to Alexander the Great's construction of the mole joining the island of Pharos to the city, Alexandria has long been one of the main ports of entry to the lands of the desert and most notably Egypt herself. Once the European nations, particularly England, began to acquire territory in India, Alexandria assumed a new importance as the first stopping place for travellers taking the overland route to the sub-continent, a journey vastly quicker than the alternative involving a long and slow voyage through two oceans via the Cape of Good Hope.
The Egyptian city of Alexandria, which takes its name from Alexander the Great who founded it circa 332 BC, is situated on a narrow peninsular between Lake Mareotis and the Mediterranean Sea and is close to the western mouth of the River Nile. Blessed with two harbours thanks to Alexander the Great's construction of the mole joining the island of Pharos to the city, Alexandria has long been one of the main ports of entry to the lands of the desert and most notably Egypt herself. Once the European nations, particularly England, began to acquire territory in India, Alexandria assumed a new importance as the first stopping place for travellers taking the overland route to the sub-continent, a journey vastly quicker than the alternative involving a long and slow voyage through two oceans via the Cape of Good Hope.