The Great Sphinx & Pyramids, Giza, Egypt: A 19th C. Lithograph by David Roberts
This is an original 19th century duotone lithograph entitled "The Great Sphinx, Pyramids of Gizeh" by David Roberts, from his Egypt 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.
Creator: David Roberts (1796-1864, British)
Creation Year: 1849
Dimensions: Height: 16.75 in (42.55 cm) Width: 23.75 in (60.33 cm)
Medium: Lithograph
Condition: See description below.
Reference #: 5324
This is an original 19th century duotone lithograph entitled "The Great Sphinx, Pyramids of Gizeh" by David Roberts, from his Egypt 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.
Creator: David Roberts (1796-1864, British)
Creation Year: 1849
Dimensions: Height: 16.75 in (42.55 cm) Width: 23.75 in (60.33 cm)
Medium: Lithograph
Condition: See description below.
Reference #: 5324
This is an original 19th century duotone lithograph entitled "The Great Sphinx, Pyramids of Gizeh" by David Roberts, from his Egypt 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.
Creator: David Roberts (1796-1864, British)
Creation Year: 1849
Dimensions: Height: 16.75 in (42.55 cm) Width: 23.75 in (60.33 cm)
Medium: Lithograph
Condition: See description below.
Reference #: 5324
The print depicts a view of the imposing Sphinx and the Great Pyramids in Giza, outside of Cairo, Egypt. A group of Egyptian men are relaxing by the base of the Sphinx along with two mules and a horse. Two of the great pyramids and a smaller one are seen in the background. The title, signature and date of Roberts' visit (July 17th, 1839) are printed in plate in the lower left, written in Roberts' hand on his original drawing.
This duotone lithograph is printed on wove paper with wide margins. The sheet measures 16.75" high and 23.75" wide. There is minimal toning at the periphery of the margins, a barely perceptible crease in the upper margin and slight blunting of the upper left corner, all of which would be hidden by a mat at the time of framing. The image portion of the print is in excellent 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. His friend, J. M. W. Turner, recognized his artistic talent and encouraged him to become a full-time artist.
In 1839 Roberts traveled 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. Roberts' and Haghe’s duotone lithographs, often colored, remain extremely sought-after today and have been rising steadily in value.
