Isabella Foster The Memnonium (Ramesseum) Temple, Thebes, Egypt

Isabella Foster (fl.1830s–1860s): Journey to the Holy Land

Isabella Foster (fl.1830s–1860s) was evidently an accomplished artist, but extensive searches have been unable to confirm her identity. She most likely received lessons from a drawing master: her focus on architectural topography and her draughtsmanship in pencil—assuredly modelled with fluidity of line—suggest the distinct influence of Samuel Prout (1783–1852). 'Foster' is most probably her married name; Isabella's journey to the Holy Land appears not to have been solo (she refers to 'our Dahabeah at Aswan') and one of the drawings features a man of western appearance sketching (or writing) in the foreground.

The drawings depicting sites of antiquity in Egypt, Ottoman Palestine and Lebanon in 1851–2 are a striking record of a region that was at that time just opening up to the British traveller. It seems likely that Isabella Foster was influenced by the work of David Roberts RA RBA (1796–1864), who published his illustrated magnum opus, 'The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt, and Nubia', 1842–1849. Foster's work is similar to Roberts's in subject and style; many of the locations that she visited feature in Roberts's travelogue. Roberts's publication fed a growing fascination in Victorian Britain for the Holy Land and its ancient sacred sites. The region was of particular appeal to the Christian traveller and those involved in missionary activity and archeological pursuits. Britain in the 19th century also saw an increasing ‘Egyptomania', although in the 1850s the only way to travel into Upper Egypt was by local dahabeah boat. Travel to the extent and duration of Isabella Foster's was no mean feat for its time and would have been a costly endeavour.

Isabella must have been born into, or married into, wealth—most probably both. The Foster name was most prominently associated with the Worcestershire ironworks of James Foster (1786–1853), inherited by his nephew William Orme Foster (1814–1899). William married an Isabella (Grazebrook) (1824–1910) in 1843. The family were enormously wealthy, with attendant access to contemporary arts and culture: James Foster owned works by David Roberts and William's collection featured a Constable. William and Isabella's grandson became an artist and composer (Lord Berners). But any connection between this Foster family and our artist is only speculation.