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Timeless Intaglio – Rare Prints, Maps & Books
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Alamo, CA 94507 , United States
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Approach of the Simoon, Desert of Gizeh: 19th C. Hand-colored Roberts Lithograph
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Description
This is an original 19th century hand-colored lithograph entitled "Approach of the Simoon, Desert of Gizeh" 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.
This is the most famous and collectible of David Roberts' works, entitled "Approach of the Simoon, Desert of Gizeh". The scene captures the dramatic moment when a fierce sandstorm, known as a simoon, approaches a caravan traveling through the desert of Gizeh in Egypt. The scene is filled with swirling clouds of sand, which obscure the figures of the travelers and their camels. The sky is dark and ominous, with lightning bolts striking the ground in the distance. The figures in the foreground appear to be huddling together for protection, while one man in the center struggles to keep his turban from being blown away. Roberts' lithograph is particularly striking for its attention to detail and its use of light and shadow to create a sense of depth and atmosphere. The figures and camels in the foreground are rendered with great precision, while the distant landscape and stormy sky are suggested with broad, sweeping strokes. Overall, "Approach of the Simoon, Desert of Gizeh" is a powerful and evocative image of the harsh realities of life in the desert, and a testament to David Roberts' skill as an artist. This is the most well known and sought-after of all Roberts prints, as well as the most difficult to find and hence most expensive.
This hand-colored lithograph is printed on wove paper with wide margins. The print is in excellent condition. It is presented in a gold-colored wood frame with a tan mat. It is glazed with UV conservation glass. All framing materials used are archival museum quality. The frame measures 23.75" high and 29" wide.
There are two additional iconic David Roberts hand-colored lithographs for sale on 1stdibs that are matted and framed in identical styles, although slightly different sizes. They are scenes of Petra and the Citadel of Cairo. They can be viewed by typing their reference #'s, LU1173211969422 and LU1173211970142, into the 1stdibs search field or typing Timeless Intaglio in the search field and tapping on the drop down name to be taken to our storefront. Two or all three of these pieces would make for a striking display grouping. A discount is available for the purchase of multiple pieces.
David Roberts (1796-1864) was a Scottish painter who specialized in landscapes, architectural subjects, and scenes from the Middle East and Europe. Born in Edinburgh, Roberts began his career at age ten as an apprentice to a house painter and eventually became a scene painter for theater companies in Edinburgh and London. In the 1820s, J. M. W. Turner recognized his artistic talent and encouraged him to become a full-time artist. He began to focus on painting landscapes and architecture. In 1838 he traveled to Egypt and soon after to the Holy Land, concluding in Jerusalem. Roberts' travels in the Middle East had a profound impact on his art, and he produced a series of highly detailed and realistic paintings and sketches of the region's famous ruins and other landmarks, including the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Temple of Abu Simbel and Cairo. Upon his return to England, F. G. Moon agreed to publish duotone lithographs and often hand- colored lithographs created by Louis Haghe from Robert’s sketches and watercolors. The resultant lithographs from Roberts' tour of the Holy Land and Egypt were collated together into folios and released over a seven year period by the publisher Moon. These publications were highly acclaimed and very popular for their esthetic quality, 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. These works helped to popularize and enhance the fascination with the mysterious Orient and Middle East that was prevalent in Europe at the time. Roberts works led to his election to the prestigious Royal Academy in London. Roberts' lithographs remain extremely sought-after today and can be found in major museums and collections around the world. They have been steadily appreciating in value. -
More Information
Documentation: Documented elsewhere (similar item) Period: 19th Century Condition: Good. Styles / Movements: Other Incollect Reference #: 632961 -
Dimensions
W. 29 in; H. 23.75 in; W. 73.66 cm; H. 60.33 cm;
Message from Seller:
Timeless Intaglio is an online gallery of rare and collectable antiquarian prints, maps and books. Although we specialize in all forms of vintage printed works on paper, the majority were created with the intaglio method of transferring ink from a plate, usually copper, to paper with a technique utilizing pressure generated by a press. Email us directly: rbreiman@timelessintaglio.com
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