Interior of Santa Sophia, Constantinople

Lewis lived in Cairo for ten years and is now known for his meticulous, jewel-like paintings of 'exotic' harem girls and desert encampments. His early reputation was gained for picturesque Spanish architectural views, including 'Door at the Alhambra', also in the Walker's collection (WAG 8154). This sketch, showing a great Byzantine architectural monument, was made at Constantinople where he stayed briefly on the journey from London to Cairo. It is similar to his Spanish work in that it focuses on architecture rather than people.