Catalog Archive
Auction 194, Lot 669

"Temple of Wady Saboua, Nubia", Roberts, David

Subject: Wadi es-Sebua, Egypt

Period: 1847 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
13.9 x 10.3 inches
35.3 x 26.2 cm
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David Roberts, R.A. (1796-1864) was one of the first Europeans to depict the Middle East. Considered a dangerous and barbaric land, it was not until the Napoleonic invasion of Egypt after 1798 that any serious study had been done into the Pharoic culture. Sir Richard Burton's infamous penetration of Mecca did not occur until 1858, twenty years after Roberts painted the wonders of the Moslem world and the Holy Land. The sketchbooks from Roberts' journeys were one of the most popular publications of its time, allowing Victorian Europeans a peek into the exotic world from the comfort of their parlors.

This attractive lithograph depicts the temple at Wadi es-Sebua, Valley of the Lions. Produced in the tinted lithograph process and finished by hand with watercolor. Published by F.G. Moon in London, with the full sheet measuring 16.9 x 24.0". English text below and on verso.

References:

Condition: A

A nice example with a couple of tiny spots, pinholes just outside the bottom corners of the image, and light toning along the edges of the sheet.

Estimate: $180 - $210

Sold for: $130

Closed on 9/13/2023

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