Born in Scotland in 1796 David Roberts is especially known for a prolific series of detailed prints of Egypt and the Near East produced during the 1840s from sketches made during long tours of the region (1838-1840).
The lithographs were published in a six volume set, in which all 248 prints were hand colored. The first three volumes depicted Egypt and Nubia; the second three, the Holy Land. The set, which was sold by subscription, was an immediate success.
As a predecessor to photography lithographs such as these provided some of the most accurate depictions of foreign lands available to the masses at the time. These aspirational destinations depicted in such incredible atmospheric detail by Roberts would have been the first glimpses many westerners would have ever seen of the East.
Elected as a Royal Academician in 1841 his paintings are still the most beloved and popular illustrations of Egypt and are highly sought after by collectors.
Great Hall at Karnac. Thebes
David Roberts
Lithograph with later hand colouring
London Published by F. G. Moon, 20 Threadneedle St Aug1st 1846
Image 342 x 529 mm
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