Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 9

David Roberts
Approach of the Simoon, Giza, Egypt: Original 19th C. Lithograph by D. Roberts

1849

$9,975
£7,663.42
€8,805.19
CA$14,031.07
A$15,763.28
CHF 8,236.34
MX$192,398.23
NOK 104,577.45
SEK 98,437.64
DKK 65,707.57

About the Item

This is an original 19th century duotone lithograph entitled "Approach of the Simoon, Desert of Gizeh" by David Roberts, from his Egypt and Nubia volumes of the large folio edition, published in London by F. G. Moon in 1849. 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. This is the most famous and collectible of all of David Roberts' works. The lithograph depicts the sphinx and three pyramids. The scene captures the dramatic moment when a fierce sandstorm, known as a simoon, approaches a caravan traveling through the desert of Giza outside of Cairo in Egypt. The scene is filled with swirling clouds of sand, which partially obscures the sun and the figures of the travelers and their camels. The sky is dark and ominous, with lightning bolts striking the ground in the distance. The figures in the foreground appear to be huddling together for protection, while one man in the center struggles to keep his turban from being blown away. Men on the right attempt to control their tent which is about to blow away in the fierce wind. The print is signed in the plate in the lower left and titled in the lower right, reportedly in Roberts' hand, as in his original drawing. Roberts' lithograph is particularly striking for its attention to detail and its use of light and shadow to create a sense of depth and atmosphere. The figures and camels in the foreground are rendered with great precision, while the distant landscape and stormy sky are portrayed with broad, sweeping strokes. Overall, "Approach of the Simoon, Desert of Gizeh" is a powerful and evocative image of the harsh realities of life in the desert, and a testament to David Roberts' skill as an artist. This is the most well known and sought-after of all Roberts prints, as well as the most difficult to find and hence most expensive. This duotone lithograph is printed on wove paper with wide margins. The sheet measures 16.75" high and 23.88" wide. There is faint toning adjacent to the edges of the sheet, as well as a barely perceptible horizontal crease in the upper margin. These issues would be obscured by a mat when framed. The image portion of the print is in excellent condition. The drawings and watercolours from Roberts' tour of the Holy Land and Egypt were collated together into folios and released over a seven year period by the publisher F.G. Moon from 20 Threadneedle Street London. This lithograph is from the Royal Subscription Edition (1842-1849) with only 500 copies produced per depiction. Louis Haghe (the Belgian engraver and friend of Roberts) worked on all of the lithographs for this series. Artist: David Roberts (1796-1864) was born outside of Edinburgh, Scotland. At age 10 he became a house painter’s apprentice. He continued painting houses and eventually theater scenes in Edinburgh and then in London. His friend, J. M. W. Turner, recognized his artistic talent and encouraged him to become a full-time artist. In 1838 and 1839 he traveled to Egypt and then in 1840, through the Holy Land, concluding in Jerusalem. Upon his return to England, F. G. Moon agreed to publish lithographs created by Louis Haghe from Robert’s sketches and watercolors. This publication was highly acclaimed and very popular for its esthetic quality, its historical and topographical accuracy, and Robert’s dramatic depiction of his scenes. Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens were among the subscribers who collected his works. Robert’s and Haghe’s duotone lithographs, often colored, remain extremely sought-after today and have been rising steadily in value.
  • Creator:
    David Roberts (1796-1864, British)
  • Creation Year:
    1849
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 16.75 in (42.55 cm)Width: 23.88 in (60.66 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Framing:
    Framing Options Available
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Alamo, CA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: # 53231stDibs: LU1173216167102

More From This Seller

View All
The Great Sphinx & Pyramids, Giza, Egypt: A 19th C. Lithograph by David Roberts
By David Roberts
Located in Alamo, CA
This is an original 19th century duotone lithograph entitled "The Great Sphinx, Pyramids of Gizeh" by David Roberts, from his Egypt and Nubia volumes of the large folio edition, publ...
Category

1840s Realist Landscape Prints

Materials

Lithograph

The Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt: A 19th C. Lithograph by David Roberts
By David Roberts
Located in Alamo, CA
This is an original 19th century hand-colored lithograph entitled "Pyramids of Geezeh" by David Roberts, from his Egypt and Nubia volumes of the large folio edition, published in Lon...
Category

1840s Realist Landscape Prints

Materials

Lithograph

The Sphinx & Pyramid, Giza, Egypt: Original 19th C. Lithograph by David Roberts
By David Roberts
Located in Alamo, CA
This is an original 19th century duotone lithograph entitled "Side View of the Great Sphinx" by David Roberts, from his Egypt and Nubia volumes of the large folio edition, published ...
Category

1840s Realist Landscape Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Abu Simbel Temple to Ramesses II in Egypt: A 19th C. Lithograph by David Roberts
By David Roberts
Located in Alamo, CA
This is an original 19th century duotone lithograph entitled "The Great Temple of Aboo Simble, Nubia" by David Roberts, from his Egypt and Nubia volumes of the large folio edition, p...
Category

1840s Realist Landscape Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Entrance to the Citadel of Cairo, Egypt: A 19th C. Lithograph by David Roberts
By David Roberts
Located in Alamo, CA
This is an original 19th century duotone lithograph entitled "The Entrance to the Citadel of Cairo" by David Roberts, from his Egypt and Nubia volumes of the large folio edition, pub...
Category

1840s Realist Landscape Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Colossi of Memnon, Thebes, Egypt: A 19th C. Lithograph by David Roberts
By David Roberts
Located in Alamo, CA
This is an original 19th century duotone lithograph entitled "Thebes" by David Roberts, from his Egypt and Nubia volumes of the large folio edition, published in London by F. G. Moon in 1849. 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 pair of sitting...
Category

1840s Realist Landscape Prints

Materials

Lithograph

You May Also Like

David Roberts “Approach of the Simoon - Desert of Geezah” “
By David Roberts
Located in San Francisco, CA
David Roberts: 1796-1864. Very important and well Listed 19th century Scottish artist. He has had Auction results for paintings in excess of $1 million. Nevertheless, he is most reco...
Category

1850s Realist Landscape Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Antique Chromolithograph of Egypt with the Sphinx and Pyramids, circa 1890
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Chromolithograph of Egypt with the Sphinx and Pyramids, circa 1890 This evocative chromolithograph, titled “Ägypten” (Egypt), was printed around 1890 and presents a timeless...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Prints

Materials

Paper

THEBES - COLOSSAL STATUES OF AMUNOPH III Many other Roberts lithographs availabl
By David Roberts
Located in London, GB
David Roberts R.A. 1796 - 1864 THEBES - COLOSSAL STATUES OF AMUNOPH III First Edition lithograph Full plate: 137 Presented in a acid free mount Published by F.G. Moon & Son, Londo...
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Landscape Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Egypt - Lithograph after Karl Werner - 1881
Located in Roma, IT
Egypt is a modern artwork realized d'apres Karl Werner  Mixed colored cromolithograph.  The artwork is after the watercolors realized by the artist during a trip to Egypt between 1...
Category

1880s Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Medinet Abou, Thebes lithograph from Views of the Holy Land by David Roberts
By David Roberts
Located in Paonia, CO
Medinet Abou, Thebes is a hand colored lithograph from the standard edition of ” Views in the Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt and Nubia” a...
Category

1840s Other Art Style Landscape Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Entrance to the Temple of Amun, Egypt. David Roberts Oriental lithograph, 1841.
By David Roberts
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'Entrance to the Temple of Amun, Thebes', tinted lithograph by Louis Haghe (1806-1885) after David Roberts RA. David Roberts (1796-1864) traveled throughout Egypt and the Holy Land ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Victorian Landscape Prints

Materials

Lithograph