Description
This listing is for a framed/matted original lithograph of the Temple of Edfou. The Temple of Edfu is an ancient Egyptian temple located on the west bank of the Nile in Edfu, Upper Egypt, It was one of several temples built during the Ptolemaic period. Construction of the temple began in 237 BC & was completed in 57 BC. Edfu is one of the finest examples of temple architecture in ancient Egypt. David Roberts, considered one of the great architectural artists of his time, was born at Stockbridge near Edinburgh & at the age of 10, apprenticed to Gavin Buego, a house painter. Following his apprenticeship, Roberts did faux stone work & paneling at Scone Palace & Abercairney Abbey. in 1818, Roberts worked as an assistant scene painter in theatres in Edinburgh, Glasgow & the Drury Lane Theatre in London. Throughout the 1820s, he exhibited at the Society of British Artists & the Royal Academy. By 1830, Roberts was firmly established as a topographical artist. He then was able to give up his theatre work & travel, touring the continent, Scotland & Spain. in 1839, he departed for Alexandria & spent the remaining part of the year in Cairo, visiting numerous tombs & other sites. The following year he crossed the desert to get to the Holy Land by way of Suez, Mount Sinai, Petra & Gaza. He went on to Jerusalem, spending several months visiting key biblical sites & returned to England at the end of 1839. Roberts' works were published in London as lithographs by Louis Haghe (1806 - 1885), himself a lithographer & watercolor artist, in 41 parts over seven years, 1842 - 1849. This became one of Haghe's most ambitious & successful projects & confirmed Roberts as one England's great architectural & landscape artists. This lithograph was a gift to my grandparents from friends in 1954. There is an original sticker on the back stating this (M & B are my grandparents initials) as shown in the last picture. It has been professionally framed (I believe this frame set dates to the 1970s) & hung in their home for many years. I have recently come into possession of this wonderful lithograph. The current frame is wood with anti-glare glass. As it is currently, the entire framed lithograph measures 27" x 22" (including the frame). The matte measures 3" & includes a gold edged under matte. The lithograph itself (in the frame/matte) measures 18" x 13" but I'm uncertain how much of the lithograph is covered by the matte. Signed (as shown in the photos) "Edfou Nov 24, 1838" on the left & "David Roberts R. A." & "L. Haghe lith" on the right. This piece can be used in its current frame, or you can have it reframed as you see fit. Either way it's a fantastic addition to your collection. US & International shipping include insurance & tracking. If you prefer to have the lithograph without the frame/glass, I can have it removed & the shipping will be less due to the reduced weight. Shipping charges currently reflect the prices for the framed lithograph. Note: Please refer to our
