Roberts, David.

first edition, in the original 18/20 parts, folio (625 x 445mm.), plain lithographed portrait of David Roberts, 2 lithographed pictorial titles and 120 plates, the titles and plates all coloured by hand and mounted, original roan-backed cloth gilt, contents loose in the bindings, title to vol.1 slightly spotted, plates 79 (Baalbec) and 81 (Baalbec May 7th) have been minimally  cut down (width by 1 cm. and height by 2 cm.) and have very light spotting (one larger and darker spot, c.2.5cm., on plate 79), plate 110 (Encampment of Aulad Said) with slight discoloration to sky, plate 112 (Chapel of the convent of St. Catherine) has a few spots at the lower edge, plates 27, 60 and 65 have single spots (c.1/2 cm.), otherwise a completely clean copy, spines worn or broken, a few covers slightly marked

the condition of this book is as described in the catalogue description Loosely inserted in this copy are the following printed advertisements: "The delay which has unavoidably occurred in the publication of "Roberts's Sketches in the Holy Land," &c. calls for some notice from the publisher...". Two copies of "Mr. Moon, having received Her Majesty's command, has the honour to announce his intention to publish, early this season, a print from Mr. Leslie's celebrated picture of the Queen receiving the Holy Sacrament at her coronation... February 10th, 1843". "Now published... Archaiological & graphic illustrations of Ashbourn Church... London; F.G. Moon". "Roberts's Sketches. The following is an extract of a letter lately received by the publisher from Dr. Robinson..." (a highly complimentary letter regarding this work). Two copies of "Mr. Moon, having received her majesty's commands, has the honour to announce the national and first full-length state portrait of her most gracious majesty the Queen..."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

an exceptionally clean copy, and totally devoid of the cockling which often affects the work. the best copy we have seen.

David Roberts enjoyed wide popularity in his day, but his outstanding success was certainly The Holy Land, and it is on this that the modern appreciation of his work is based. The powerful images of Baalbec, Petra and the Holy Land fully demonstrate the artist's skillful draughtsmanship and use dramatic perspective to portray the majesty of what he sees. Roberts's early training as a set designer for the theatre is perhaps nowhere so clearly evident. At the time of publication, such dramatic representations of the East had rarely been encountered in the West. Consequently, Roberts's work captivated the public imagination and set the archetypal standard so often imitated by later artists.

This copy of Roberts's Holy Land is as originally published in 20 parts (in 18 bindings as 11-12 were printed and bound together, as were 16-17). There is no map and no volume 3 title page and they are not called for in this issue. There is no "Description of title-page vignettes of Volumes II and II", presumably again not called for as this issue has no title page to volume 3.

Loosely inserted in this copy are seven advertisements (two of which are duplicates). A list is available.