Karnac, Egypt, Nov. 29, 1838: An Original 19th C. Duotone Lithograph by David Roberts

Description

This is an original 19th century hand-colored lithograph entitled "Karnac, Nov. 29, 1838" by David Roberts, from his Egypt and … more This is an original 19th century hand-colored lithograph entitled "Karnac, Nov. 29, 1838" by David Roberts, from his Egypt and Nubia volumes of the large folio edition, published in London by F. G. Moon in 1847. 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 the greatest lithographically illustrated works issued in the 19th century.

The print depicts a view of the imposing Temple of Karnac located along the Nile River in Egypt. Egyptian men conversing at the base of a large column on the right provide a perspective as to the mammoth size of the structure. The huge temple with its ornate columns, hieroglyphics, and elaborate carvings is seen in the background behind fragments of fallen columns in the foreground. The date of David Roberts visit to Karnac, Nov. 29, 1838 appears in the plate in cursive in the lower left. David Roberts signature and that of the lithographer, L. Haghe appear in plate in the lower right and the publisher, G. Moon, London address and date of publication appear in the center of the lower margin and below that to name "Karnac".

This hand-colored lithograph print is printed on wove paper with wide margins. The sheet measures 24" high and 17" wide. There is a small faint spot in the lower right margin, but the print is otherwise in excellent condition.

Provenance: This exceptional lithograph was previously owned by George Edwin Bergstrom, architect for the Pentagon. less