- 148
David Roberts, R.A.
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
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Description
- David Roberts, R.A.
- The Shrine of the Holy Nativity, Bethlehem
- Watercolour over pencil, heightened with bodycolour;
signed lower right: David Roberts, R.A.; inscribed and dated lower left: Shrine of the Holy Nativity / Bethlehem April 6th 1839 - 207 by 317 mm
Provenance
Sale, London, Sotheby's, 10 April 1997, lot 126,
where acquired by Bernadette and William M.B. Berger, Denver, Colorado
where acquired by Bernadette and William M.B. Berger, Denver, Colorado
Lithographed:
by Louis Haghe for The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Egypt and Nubia, London, 1842-49, vol. 3, pl. 55
Literature
K. Sim, David Roberts, R.A., London 1984, p. 190
Condition
This work is in very fine condition. There are a number of small scratches to the sheet - mainly at the extreme edges, but these can only be seen on very close inspection.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
In early April 1839, Roberts rode out of Jerusalem with the intention of visiting Bethlehem. He crossed the River Jordan, bathed in the Dead Sea, then sketched at the Monastery of Saint Saba, where he remained for two days before traveling on, through the wildness, to Bethlehem. There, he stayed at the Convent of the Nativity and made the present watercolour on the 6th April. On that day, he noted in his diary as follows: ‘Today, while I was sketching the interior of the chapel, a man arrived from Jerusalem with the sacred fire, which the priests say comes from heaven; and the whole of the Greek Christians turned out to receive him, carrying banners, and headed by their priests.’ We are grateful to Briony Llewellyn for her help when cataloguing this work.