Samar Yahya

Saudi Gazette

 

JEDDAH — An Arab-Islamic architecture exhibition, showing artworks of French orientalist Emile Prisse d’Avenes (1807 – 1879) works, was held at the Egyptian Consulate here in collaboration with France Consulate general recently.



Egypt’s Consul General Adel El-Alfy welcomed guests and praised the hard work of the cultural bureaus in both the Egyptian and French consulates to organize such a unique exhibition.



“Tonight’s (December 1) exhibition exposes the Egyptian-French historical relations and the role of French orientalists and historical researchers in studying the Egyptian history and architecture,” El-Alfy said.



French Consul General Louis Blin thanked the Egyptian Consulate for hosting the exhibition. “Thanks to the Egyptian Consulate for hosting this event; it reflects the French-Egyptian relations since the 19th century.”



Saudi collector and owner of the collection of drawings, displayed at the exhibition, Abdulmalek Al-Jafari Al-Tayar acknowledged the guests who showed interest in Islamic architecture.



Mercedes Voilate, French researcher and writer of Egypt's 19th and 20th century architecture, delivered a lecture on Prisse d’Avenes.



“I’m very delighted to be here tonight speaking about Prisse d’Avenes and his paintings that are preserved since the 19th century, which is an accomplishment in itself.”



Emad Khalil, cultural and educational Attaché at Cultural Bureau of the Egyptian Consulate, said: “I think that this event is a clear evidence of genuine Egyptian culture and heritage from both French and the Saudi sides.



The interest that Al-Jafari's family has shown in Prisse d’Avenes' drawings of Egypt is remarkable. The French Consulate interest in the event and the contribution of Dr. Volait was invaluable. I believe that the outcome was very satisfactory to all parties as well as to our guests from whom we have had great feedback.”



He added: “At the Cultural Bureau of the Egyptian Consulate, we plan for many more such significant exhibitions that will shed light on different aspects of Egyptian culture and heritage.”



Prisse d’Avenes', who lived in Egypt for 17 years, is considered one of the greatest scientists in the field of Egyptology. He carefully registered all the magnificence of Islamic arts through drawing or photography, which helped in conserving Islamic heritage on paper and in museum.  He began writing his book on Arabic Art in 1858.