Image 1 of 4
Image 2 of 4
Image 3 of 4
Image 4 of 4
This lithograph depicts the Temple of Isis on the Roof of the Great Temple of Dendera which is one of the most intriguing and atmospheric sanctuaries in all of Egypt as it is constructed above the Great Temple of Hathor at Dendera, which lies north of Luxor. It combines astronomy, ritual secrecy, and late Egyptian religious thought. It was built during the late Ptolemaic and early Roman periods (1st century BCE–1st century CE) It consists of a complex of rooftop chapels, staircases, and open courts. Its elevated position symbolically placed rituals closer to the sky, reinforcing Isis’s cosmic role, where the stars and planets were observed and celebrated, along with rituals connected to the rebirth of Osiris and the cyclical renewal of the cosmos, including New Year and resurrection festivals. The walls and ceilings are richly decorated with astronomical reliefs, including stars, constellations, and celestial boats, images of Isis, Osiris, Hathor, and solar deities, as well as scenes showing the Pharaoh offering to the gods and maintaining maat (cosmic balance). The famous Dendera Zodiac, which reinforces the celestial focus of the space is also present on the roof.
Roberts' composition shows the square temple on the roof of the grate Dendera temple with mountains in the background. Two men are in conversation on the left and one man stands on the right.
This duotone lithograph is printed in the upper half of a wove paper sheet with the text description in the lower portion and on the verso. The print is signed in plate in the lower right and titled in the lower left. The sheet has wide margins. The portion of the sheet which includes the image and its margin measures 15" high and 16.75" wide. Overall the sheet measures 23.88" high and 16.75" wide. There is minimal discoloration along the upper, lower and right edges of the sheet, a tiny spot in the lower portion of the right margin and a faint vertical crease in the left margin. None of this would be visible behind a mat at framing. The image and text portions of the print are in excellent condition.
The drawings and watercolors 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.
