Islamic Landscape Print Mountain of Hira Mecca, 1863 Dutch Lithograph

Islamic Landscape Print Mountain of Hira Mecca, 1863 Dutch Lithograph

This serene and symbolically powerful lithograph, titled “De Berg Hirâ (de berg des lichts)” or “The Mountain of Hira (The Mountain of Light),” depicts one of the most sacred sites in Islamic tradition. The scene captures the solitary rocky prominence near Mecca, famously associated with the Prophet Muhammad’s first revelation. It was in a cave on this mountain, Ghar Hira, that, according to Islamic belief, the Angel Gabriel appeared to Muhammad, marking the beginning of the Qur'anic revelations.

The lithograph illustrates the barren, craggy terrain with impressive geological detail, lending a quiet majesty to the sacred location. A few small figures at the lower right, perhaps intended to suggest pilgrims or Bedouin travelers, emphasize the scale and solitude of the mountain in its desert setting. The light monochrome tones and delicate textures reflect the solemn and spiritual atmosphere associated with this place.

This image was published in 1863 as part of the educational and documentary series *De Voornaamste Godsdiensten* (The Principal Religions), under the volume titled *Het Islamisme* (Islam), authored by Dr. Reinhart Pieter Anne Dozy. A pioneering Dutch historian and Orientalist, Dozy was instrumental in introducing European audiences to Islamic culture and history. His work was marked by scholarly rigor and a relatively rare objectivity for his time.

The lithograph was executed by Emrik & Binger of Haarlem, a respected Dutch lithographic house known for its meticulous craftsmanship. Their use of shading and perspective in this print effectively conveys both the natural grandeur and spiritual symbolism of the site. As a result, this print serves as both a historical document and a meditative visual representation of one of the foundational locations in Islamic belief.

Condition Report:

Good condition with minor foxing, mostly in the margins.

Framing Tips: Frame with a cream or sand-colored mat and a dark wooden or neutral-toned frame to enhance the spiritual tone and preserve the historical quality of this 19th-century lithographic landscape.