The Carpet Bazaar, Cairo

William James Müller visited Egypt from 1838 to 1839. This was at the same time as David Roberts and both artists were in search of subject matter. Müller described Alexandria as 'like humanity put into a kaleidoscope' but soon admitted that Cairo was better still. The streets and bazaars excited him most, and the rich shadows and shafts of light he found there reminded him of Rembrandt. This recollection of a bazaar was painted several years after his return home.