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David Roberts
Medinet Abou, Thebes, Egypt: An Original 19th C. Lithograph by David Roberts

1848

$2,175
£1,642.07
€1,921.93
CA$3,090.68
A$3,143.51
CHF 1,797.51
MX$38,023.34
NOK 21,060.85
SEK 21,055.79
DKK 14,367.49

About the Item

This is an original 19th century duotone lithograph entitled "Medinet Abou, Thebes" 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. In this dramatic and atmospheric lithograph, Roberts depicts the vast ruins of Medinet Abou on the west bank of the Nile at Thebes (modern Luxor). The composition emphasizes monumental scale with the massive pylons dominating the foreground, their surfaces carved with hieroglyphs and reliefs. Colossal statues and towering walls appear weathered yet imposing. A single Egyptian man sits at the base of a fallen column giving a sense of perspective to the massive size of the structure. The light is warm and golden, suggestive of the Egyptian sun, casting long shadows that intensify the sense of age and grandeur. The surrounding landscape appears arid and open, reinforcing the isolation and timelessness of the ruins. Roberts combines architectural precision with romantic atmosphere. The structure is rendered carefully and accurately, but the dramatic lighting and vast sky reflect the 19th-century European fascination with the exotic and sublime landscapes of the “Orient.” Medinet Abou is the mortuary temple of Ramesses III, built in the 12th century BCE during Egypt’s New Kingdom. The temple contains detailed reliefs documenting the reign of Ramesses III, including: his military campaigns, the defeat of the “Sea Peoples” Inscriptions are among the most important historical sources for understanding Egypt’s late New Kingdom period. This is one of the best-preserved mortuary temples in Egypt. The scale and complexity rival the nearby Ramesseum (temple of Ramesses II). Its fortified entrance structure is unusual and architecturally distinctive. Like other Theban mortuary temples, it was built to honor the god Amun and maintain the cult of the deceased pharaoh, serve as a center for ritual activity. This duotone lithograph is printed on a sheet with wide margins. Overall the sheet measures 16.75" high and 23.88" wide. The print is signed in plate in the lower right and titled in the lower left. There is a small area of paper loss along the upper edge on the left with adjacent sight discoloration and a faint horizontal crease in the upper margin. None of this would be visible behind a mat at framing. The image is 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. Artist: 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 1838 and 1839 he traveled to Egypt and then in 1840, through the Holy Land, concluding in Jerusalem. He created drawings depicting the sites and architecture that he observed during his travels. Roberts’s compositions typically include architectural elements as well as people, usually locals in their native dress, but occasionally European travelers, to impart a sense of scale perspective and realistic atmosphere of people in conversation, relaxation, etc. 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. Robert’s and Haghe’s duotone lithographs, often colored, remain extremely sought-after today and have been rising steadily in value.
  • Creator:
    David Roberts (1796-1864, British)
  • Creation Year:
    1848
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 16.75 in (42.55 cm)Width: 23.88 in (60.66 cm)
  • Medium:
    Lithograph
  • Movement & Style:
    Realist
  • Period:
    1840-1849
  • Framing:
    Framing Options Available
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Alamo, CA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: # 53601stDibs: LU1173217643032

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