SUPERB ORIGINAL FIRST ISSUE ROBERTS HOLY LAND PLATE, HAND-COLORED

ROBERTS, David. Original lithograph plate, Fortress of Akabah, Arabia Petraea. [London: F.G. Moon, 1842-49]. Hand-colored lithograph on onionskin, measuring 9-1/2 by 13-3/8 inches, on original mount, measuring 17 by 24 inches. $3000.

Beautiful original hand-colored lithograph of the Fortress of Akabah, Arabia Petraea, from the superb large format first issue of Roberts’ landmark work, The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, 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 journeys to Egypt and the Holy Land, which were received with widespread enthusiasm when they appeared in 1842-9. “Roberts’ Holy Land was one of the most important and elaborate ventures of 19th-century publishing… 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… one feels that the colossal subjects and broad vistas were ideally suited to Roberts’ talent” (Abbey, 341).

Slight chipping and soiling to mount. Print in fine condition. Exceptional and beautifully hand-colored lithograph from the most famous and desirable work on the Holy Land.