David Roberts' 19th Century Duo-tone Lithograph: Colossus of the Temple of Wady
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Description
"Colossus in Front of the Temple of Wady Saboua, Nubia" is a 19th century half-folio sized duo-tone lithograph from the "The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt and Nubia" volume of David Roberts’ large folio edition, published in London by F. G. Moon in 1843. 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 by many to be the most beautiful lithographically illustrated works issued in the 19th century.
This half page lithograph depicts two colossal statues that stood in front of Temple of Wady in Nubia, each measuring 14 feet high and 5 feet across at the shoulders. Both figures hold a long staff with a symbolic rams head and disc on top. The second colossus lies on the ground. Three guards are in conversation with two other individuals at the base of the upright statue. Nubia is the area between Aswan in southern Egypt and Khartoum in central Sudan. It was the site of one of the earliest civilizations of ancient Africa from around 2500 BCE until its conquest by the New Kingdom of Egypt under pharaoh Thutmose I around 1500 BCE.
This beautiful tinted duo-tone lithograph is presented in an attractive antiqued gold-color frame with double cream mats and glazed with museum quality archival materials. The frame measures 23.13" x 19.63" x 1.25". The print, frame and mat are in excellent condition. Two additional David Roberts' identically framed and matted lithographs of Egypt are available on 1stdibs, which would make a beautiful display grouping of two or three prints. Please see listings: LU117326087912 and LU117326087222. A discount is available for of two or three of these prints.
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 1839 he traveled to Egypt and then in 1840, through the Holy Land, concluding in Jerusalem. 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. -
More Information
Documentation: Signed Period: 18th Century Creation Date: 1843 Styles / Movements: Traditional Incollect Reference #: 574430 -
Dimensions
W. 19.63 in; H. 23.13 in; D. 1.25 in; W. 49.86 cm; H. 58.75 cm; D. 3.18 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