SUPERB ORIGINAL FIRST ISSUE ROBERTS EGYPT TITLE PAGE, HANDCOLORED

(EGYPT) ROBERTS, David. Original lithographed title page, Great Gateway leading to the Temple of Karnac – Thebes. No place, circa 1848. Hand-colored on onionskin, measuring 18 1/2 by 12 1/4 inches, on original mount, measuring 23 1/2 by 16 3/8 inches. $1800.

Beautiful original hand-colored lithographed title page, depicting the Great Gateway leading to the Temple of Karnac in Thebes.

From Volume II of the superb large format first issue of Roberts' landmark work, Egypt and Nubia (only the first issue is hand-colored on onionskin and mounted on heavier card). Famed lithographer Louis Haghe produced splendid lithographs (including this print) of drawings Roberts made during his 1838-9 journey to Egypt, which were received with widespread enthusiasm when they appeared in 1846-9. "Among all the artists working in Egypt… [Roberts] stands head and shoulders above the rest, both for the number of sites and monuments he recorded and for his interesting presentation." Clayton, 6. "Haghe's skillful and delicate lithography, and his faithful interpretation of Roberts' draughtsmanship and dramatic sense, combine in what are undoubtedly remarkable examples of… lithographic works. Particularly in the Egypt and Nubia section, one feels that the colossal subjects and broad vistas were ideally suited to Roberts' talent." Abbey, 341.

Volume number on title page neatly erased; some tearing and soiling to mount. Title page in fine condition. Exceptional hand-colored lithograph from the most famous and desirable work on Egypt.