Christian & Mahomedan Chapels on the Summit of Sinai.
London: F.G. Moon, 1849. Hand colored lithograph from the deluxe edition of Robert's 'The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia', the greatest lithographically illustrated work of the 19th century. This hand tinted lithograph was produced by Louis Haghe, the finest lithographic draughtsman of his time, and probably colored by him in a very small edition.
The image depicts a series of low white chapels at the top of Mount Sinai, the sacred site to which God summoned Moses and the Israelites. Moses received the tablets with the Ten Commandments here, descending and relaying the laws to the people.
David Roberts (1796 - 1864) was a Scottish painter who traveled to Egypt in 1838 on the recommendation of his friend and colleague, J. M. W. Turner. He went up the Nile River through Egypt and the Holy Land, and arrived in Jerusalem in 1839. Roberts left from Beirut in May of 1839, having traveled through Lebanon.
Roberts recorded his impressions of landscapes, temples, and people in a series of sketchbooks and watercolors, and, working with Haghe as lithographer produced these lavish plates. The 'Holy Land', issued over a period of 7 years from 1842 to 1849, was funded through advance subscriptions, Queen Victoria being the first subscriber.
Cut to the edge of the image and mounted on card in imitation of watercolors, as issued. 13 3/4 x10"; card measures 21 3/4 x 16 3/4". Card slightly chipped at corners. OCLC: 927477663 records a copy at the Wellcome Collection.
A stunning image, among the most popular of famous sites in the Near East. Very good condition. Item #23641
Price: $1,750.00