DAVID ROBERTS, R.A. (Scottish, 1796-1864)

Travels in Petra and the Sinai

February 8 - March 1, 2008

Trained as a painter of theatre sets and backdrops, David Roberts rose to acclaim through his habit of traveling to foreign locations to sketch scenes for later use in creating paintings of astonishing detail. In the era before photography, the works of such "travel artists" were the only window to the outside world for many Europeans. Through his two monumental series of collaborative lithographic works, Egypt and Nubia and The Holy Land (first published in 1842-1848), David Roberts secured an unparalleled reputation in this genre.

During the month of February, the Antique Print Department will present a group of David Roberts' lithographs of Petra and the Sinai. Geographically and chronologically nestled between his journeys in Egypt and Palestine, these stunning views of ancient temples and desert panoramas are among the most beloved of Roberts' subjects.

ABOUT THE LITHOGRAPHS: Davidson Galleries handles only genuine first editions of David Roberts lithographs, all published by F.G. Moon in London between 1842 and 1849. These include the Royal Subscription Edition (RSE) Folio prints and the Standard Edition (SE) Folio prints. All RSE lithographs are hand colored and mounted to a card as issued. The SE lithographs, although they were designed to be hand colored just like the RSEs, were not hand colored by the publisher. Contemporary hand coloring, if done correctly and expertly, enhances the value and appearance of SE prints. The prints listed are all SE impressions unless otherwise noted, and the prices include hand coloring.

• Related Links: Travels in Egypt & the Holy Land