The Citadel of Cairo: 19th C. Hand-Colored Roberts Lithograph, 1849

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This is an original 19th century hand-colored lithograph entitled "Petra, Shewing the Upper or Eastern End of the Valley" by … Read more This is an original 19th century hand-colored lithograph entitled "Petra, Shewing the Upper or Eastern End of the Valley" by David Roberts, from his Egypt, The Holy Land and Nubia volumes of the large folio edition, published in London by F. G. Moon in 1849. The lithographs were prepared by Louis Haghe (1806-1885) from drawings and paintings by Roberts. The resultant large folio editions of 'The Holy Land' and 'Egypt & Nubia' are considered the greatest lithographically illustrated works issued in the 19th century.

This is one of Roberts' most famous and collectible works. The scene captures a view of the magnificent ruins of Petra in what is Jordan today, as it appeared on March 8, 1839, on the day of Roberts' visit. Multiple Arab men are approaching Petra; some on foot and others riding camels. They are dressed in their colorful local costumes. Roberts' signature and hand written date are reproduced in the plate on the left.

This hand-colored lithograph is printed on wove paper with wide margins. There is some loss of color in the text in the title and a faint dark curvilinear area in the upper right. The print is otherwise in very good condition. It is presented in a gold-colored wood frame with a tan mat. It is glazed with UV protected conservation glass. All framing materials used are archival museum quality. The frame measures 23.63" high and 29" wide.

David Roberts (1796-1864) was born outside of Edinburgh, Scotland. At age 10 he became a house painter’s apprentice. He continued painting houses and eventually theater scenes in Edinburgh and then in London. He was befriended by J. M. W. Turner, who recognized his artistic talent, and encouraged him to become a full-time artist. By 1830 he was completely focused on his art. His first major project was to create sketches and paintings depicting the sights he saw on a trip along the Rhine River in Germany and to Spain. In 1839 he travelled to Egypt and then in 1840, through the Holy Land, concluding in Jerusalem. Upon his return to England, F. G. Moon agreed to publish lithographs created by Louis Haghe from Robert’s sketches and watercolors. This publication was highly acclaimed and very popular for its esthetic quality, its historical and topographical accuracy, and Robert’s dramatic depiction of his scenes. Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens were among the subscribers who collected his works. Robert’s and Haghe’s duotone lithographs, often colored, remain extremely sought-after today and have been rising steadily in value. See less