ORIGINAL FOLIO HAND-COLORED LITHOGRAPH FROM ROBERTS’ MAGNIFICENT HOLY LAND

ROBERTS, David. Original lithograph plate, The Entrance to the Citadel of Cairo. [London: F.G. Moon, 1846]. Hand-colored lithograph on onionskin, measuring 12-3/4 by 20-3/4 inches, on original mount, measuring 16-1/2 by 23-3/4 inches. $4500.

Beautiful original hand-colored lithograph of the entrance to the citadel of Cairo (with many Egyptians in colorful costumes in the foreground), from the superb large format first issue of Roberts’ landmark work, Egypt and Nubia (only the first issue is hand-colored on onionskin and mounted on heavier card).

Famed lithographer Louis Haghe produced splendid lithographs (including this print) of drawings Roberts made during his 1838-9 journey to Egypt, which were received with widespread enthusiasm when they appeared in 1846-9. “Among all the artists working in Egypt… [Roberts] stands head and shoulders above the rest, both for the number of sites and monuments he recorded and for his interesting presentation” (Clayton, 6). “Haghe’s skillful and delicate lithography, and his faithful interpretation of Roberts’ draughtsmanship and dramatic sense, combine in what are undoubtedly remarkable examples of… lithographic works. Particularly in the Egypt and Nubia section, one feels that the colossal subjects and broad vistas were ideally suited to Roberts’ talent” (Abbey, 341).

Slight chipping and soiling to edges of mount. Print in fine condition. Magnificent hand-colored lithograph from the most famous and desirable work on Egypt.