Plate 42 Nablous, Ancient Schechem - After David Roberts RA
Roberts noted in his journal that he entered the town of Nablus around three in the afternoon on the 16th April. The artist was particularly impressed with the town and believed it to be among the most prosperous he had seen in Palestine. In his journal he wrote 'the situation of the town is beautiful. It is placed between the mountains Ebal and Gerizim, and is well sheltered from the north and south winds.' [1]
'The small bustling town of Nablus, which thrives on farming and small industry, has also preserved intact the synagogue of the Samaritans, as well as the marketplace and lore of the old quarters. Just like the names of Hebron, Jericho, and other Israeli cities, the name of Shechem is familiar to a great many Jews. It was here, in fact, that the Lord promised Abraham that he would rule over the land of Canaan, it was here that the Ark of the Covenant was set down, and it was here - later - that the twelve tribes of Israel assembled to proclaim king the successor of Soloman.' [2]
The drawings and watercolours from this tour of the Holy Land and Egypt by David Roberts were collated together into lithographic folios and released over a seven year period (1842-1849) by the publisher F.G. Moon from 20 Threadneedle Street London. This lithograph is from the Royal Subscription Edition (1842-1849) which includes original hand-colouring from Louis Haghe's studio. There were only around 500 copies produced per lithograph in this edition.
Medium: Original Royal Subscription Edition, hand-coloured lithograph on thin India paper.
Full Plate 42.
Inscribed l.l. 'Nablus, ancient shechem april 17th 1839' and l.r. 'David Roberts R.A.', 29.7 x 47.2cm, mounted.
Bibliography:
[1] David Roberts' Journal, 16th April 1839.
[2] Fabio Bourbon (ed). Yesterday and Today: The Holy Land. Swan Hill Press: London, 1997, p.198. Translated by Antony Shugaar.
Condition report: small marks on the lithograph, these are particularly obvious along the top and the bottom of the picture. There is a small tear in the bottom left-hand corner. Please see photographs.