SUPERB ORIGINAL FIRST-ISSUE ROBERTS HOLY LAND PLATE, HAND-COLORED

ROBERTS, David. Original lithograph plate, St. Jean d’Acre. London: Moon, 1842-49. Hand-colored lithograph on onionskin, measuring 13-3/4 by 19-7/8 inches, on original mount, measuring 16-7/8 by 23-7/8 inches. $4500.

Beautiful original hand-colored lithograph of St. Jean d'Acre, depicting the city skyline and sea with costumed natives and horses in the foreground, from the superb large format first issue of Roberts' landmark work, The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, 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 journeys to Egypt and the Holy Land, which were received with widespread enthusiasm when they appeared in 1842-9. “Roberts’ Holy Land was one of the most important and elaborate ventures of nineteenth-century publishing… 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… one feels that the colossal subjects and broad vistas were ideally suited to Roberts’ talent” (Abbey, Travel 341). Penned name in one corner of mount.

Slight chipping and soiling to mount; print slightly buckled and with one small spot. Overall, very good condition. Magnificent hand-colored lithograph print from the most famous and desirable work on the Holy Land.