View of Cairo, Egypt: A 19th C. Framed Hand-Colored Lithograph by David Roberts , 1840

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This is an original 19th century hand-colored lithograph entitled "Tombs of the Memlooks, Cairo" by David Roberts, from his Egypt … Read more This is an original 19th century hand-colored lithograph entitled "Tombs of the Memlooks, Cairo" by David Roberts, from his Egypt and Nubia volumes of the large folio edition, published in London by F. G. Moon in 1840. 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.

The print depicts a view of the 19th century skyline of Cairo in Egypt in the area of the tombs of the Memlooks. The title appears in the plate in cursive in the lower left. David Roberts signature and that of the lithographer, L. Haghe appear in plate in the lower right and the publisher, G. Moon, London address and date of publication appear in the center of the lower margin.

The hemlocks, also known as Mamluks or Memlouks were initially warrior slaves, originally in the Turkish and Eurasian kingdoms. They rose in stature over the centuries and for a time ruled Egypt and Syria as a Mamluk sultanate in the Middle Ages, from 1250 to 1517. The Mamluk kings established a necropolis in Cairo, which was viewed and drawn by Roberts during his early 19th century tour of Egypt.
This hand-colored lithograph is presented in an attractive ornate gold-colored frame with a copper-colored inner trim, with a light tan outer mat and a marbled gold-colored fillet. It is glazed with UV conservation glass. The frame measures 24" high by 28" wide and 1.25" deep. The print is in very good condition.

The drawings and watercolours from Roberts' tour of the Holy Land and Egypt were collated together into folios and released over a seven year period by the publisher F.G. Moon from 20 Threadneedle Street London. This lithograph is from the Royal Subscription Edition (1842-1849) with only 500 copies produced per depiction. Louis Haghe (the Belgian engraver and friend of Roberts) worked on all of the lithographs for this series.

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