A Collector's Guide to David Roberts Lithographs

Considered some of the finest tintstone lithographs ever produced, David Roberts’ scenes of the Holy Land and Egypt have remained extremely popular and highly collectible from the moment of their publication. His works feature in numerous prominent collections, such as the Royal Collection Trust and the Victoria & Albert Museum. Available in two editions and two sizes, the quality, beauty and timeless subject matter of these prints make them perfect for a range of clients, from first-time buyers of Orientalist art to those with established collections.

Who was David Roberts?

Born in 1796, Roberts was a Scottish painter famous for his prolific series of detailed lithograph prints of the Holy Land and Egypt, produced during the 1840s from sketches he made during long tours of the region. Egypt was very much in vogue at this time with travellers and collectors keen to buy works inspired by the East or depicting the great monuments of Egypt. Upon returning from his travels, Roberts worked with the top lithographer of the time, Louis Haghe, to produce plates for volumes of The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt and Nubia. Roberts accumulated 400 subscription commitments, with Queen Victoria being subscriber number one. 

Editions

Two editions of the lithographs exist: the 'subscription edition', produced first, and the 'first edition', created following the success of the subscription. The subscription edition was printed on a fine India paper, hand coloured and then stuck on card, whereas the first edition was printed on a coarser paper and tinted, not coloured. At Darnley, we have talented modern colourists who colour the first edition prints to match the subscription colouring. Both editions come in two sizes, a full plate (19 x 12 ½ inches) and a half plate (12 x 9 ½ inches). The price of the print will vary, with a full plate subscription edition fetching the highest prices as the largest and rarest variety of Robert’s lithograph.

Authenticity

There are several key features to note when establishing the authenticity of a Roberts print. The prints should feature Roberts' signature and the date of the original sketch as a facsimile (part of the print itself, not added on afterwards). The paper and ink should be on the same plane rather than embossed or raised and the colours should be solid and opaque. In the first edition prints, the title should be directly under the image in orange or yellow text, not black, in addition to the publisher's name in small type (F.G.Moon).

Value

Whilst value is predominantly determined by the edition and size of a print, the subject matter also has an impact. The Approach of the Simoon - Desert of Geezah is the signature image of the series and the most sought-after plate. With the iconic head of the Sphynx and Great Pyramid emerging from sweeping desert sands set against a brilliant orange sunset, weary travellers and their camels resting in the foreground, the reason for its popularity is evident. Other iconic subjects, such as the panoramas of Jerusalem and Aboo Simbel, also command some of the highest prices. Prices for Roberts continue to rise steadily, transcending fashions in print collecting.

Condition

When assessing the condition of a David Roberts lithograph, check that the margins of the work are intact and that there is minimal toning or foxing (brown spots on the paper). All our David Roberts prints at Darnley are presented in an acid-free mount, as well as offering restoration services, to ensure the quality of the print is preserved for years to come. 

With all 250 images in stock, at Darnley Fine Art we remain the premier location for David Roberts prints. Whether it be to commemorate travels or indulge in a passion for history, David Roberts lithographs remain an enduring staple of any collection.