SUPERB ORIGINAL FIRST-ISSUE ROBERTS EGYPT PLATE, HAND-COLORED

ROBERTS, David. Original lithograph plate, Modern Mansion, showing the Arabesque Architecture of Cairo. London: F.G. Moon, 1842-49. Hand-colored lithograph on onionskin, measuring 19-5/8 by 13-3/4 inches, on original mount, measuring 23-3/4 by 16-1/4 inches. $4200.

Beautiful original hand-colored lithograph of the exterior of a modern mansion in Cairo (with Egyptians in colorful costumes), from 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).

Some chipping and soiling to mount. Print in fine condition. Magnificent hand-colored lithograph from the most famous and desirable work on Egypt.