Cleopatra's Needle, by WL Wyllie.

Repro ID: PV2059

Description: A graphite drawing of Cleopatra's Needle on the Thames Embankment in London, by the marine artist William Lionel Wyllie (1851-1931). The Obelisk was constructed for Tuthmose III and is carved with Hieroglyphics praising Tuthmose and commemorating his festival. Later inscriptions were added by Ramesses II to commemorate his victories. It was brought from Alexandria by Erasmus Wilson, but was abandoned during a storm in the Bay of Biscay. It was recovered and placed on the Embankment by John Dixon in 1879.

Creator: William Lionel Wyllie

Date: Early 20th century

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London