David Roberts, R.A. (London) Distance view of Sebaste, Ancient Samaria.

David Roberts, R.A. (Edinburgh 1796-1864) Distance view of Sebaste, Ancient Samaria, signed 'David Roberts, April 17th 1839' (lower left) pencil and watercolor heightened with touches of bodycolour on paper. Provenance: With Colnaghi's London, from where purchased by Michael Ingram; Sotheby's London, 8 December 2005, lot 241. Property from Princely Collection. The present drawing is a study for larger watercolour which was lithographed for Robert' Holy Land I, Vol,I, 1842, pl. 43. Robert wrote in his private journal, It is difficult to conceive any place surpassing this in the beauty of its position, or any spot more commanding in situation than that of the ancient Capital of Samaria, standing as it does in the more fertile portion of Judea, and enriched by the taste and wealth of the most superb of all its governors, Herod. I was never more delighted than when slowly winding round the brow of a hill it first burst upon me, bathed in the brightness of an eastern sunset.