Plate 72 Sarepta - After David Roberts
Roberts drew this composition on the 27th April 1839. He wrote in his journal 'Made some sketches. Found a ruinous tower of Saracenic construction - the stones of great size, with foundations of similar structures stretching across the isthmus, jutting into the sea. Leaving Tyre at 11 A.M., we came upon the remains of what must have been a large town, with two beautiful little bays. The hill behind is perforated with caves. Further on is a picturesque village, said to occupy the site of the ancient Sarepta. In front of this is a small mosque, said to stand on the site of the house where Elijah sojourned with the widow.' [1]
Sarepta is 'mentioned in both the Old Testament and the New Testament, the city enjoyed periods of great prosperity, under the Roman Empire and later under Arab domination; to was elevated to a bishopric during the Crusades, and in the twelfth century it was fortified and a new port was built. Later, because of the frequent Saracen raids, the coastal area was progressively abandoned, and the population took refuge inland, on a hill, where the village of Surafend now stands. Not far from the village, toward the sea, Roberts noticed a small mosque, supposedly built on the site of the house where the prophet Elias[sic] was believed to have found shelter, and where the prophet brought the widow's son back to life with prayer. In this illustration, which depicts the area surrounding the ancient Sarepta, the scenery is as different as can be from that of the earlier views of southern Palestine. The highlands have a sharper profile, and the chain of the Lebanon Mountains, covered with snow, appears on the horizon.' [2]
The drawings and watercolours from this tour by David Roberts 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 was published on September 18th 1843.
Medium: Original First Edition Lithograph, with later hand-colouring on thick woven paper.
Half Plate 72.
Inscribed l.r. 'David Roberts R.A.' and l.l. 'Sarepta April 27th 1839', 24.3 x 34.2cm (lithograph size), mounted (42.5x 51.5cm).
The original title is visible through a cut out on the mount 'Sarepta' and the original text from the publication in 1843 is included attached to the back of the mount.
References:
[1] David Roberts Journal, entry 27th April 1839.
[2] Fabio Bourbon (ed). Yesterday and Today: The Holy Land. Swan Hill Press: London, 1996, p.250. Translated by A.B.A. Milano.
Condition report: very good for its age. A few small markings, please see photos. Recently put into a new acid free mount.