David Roberts

David Roberts, a 19th-century Scottish painter, is renowned for his stunning depictions of architectural landmarks and exotic landscapes, particularly from his travels in the Middle East and North Africa. Born in 1796, Roberts began his career as a theater set painter, which honed his ability to capture intricate detail and vast scenic perspectives. His most famous works emerged from his extensive travels in Egypt, the Holy Land, and other parts of the Middle East, where he meticulously recorded ancient ruins, mosques, temples, and bustling cityscapes.

Roberts’ iconic paintings and lithographs, such as “The Great Temple of Abu Simbel” and “Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives,” are celebrated for their architectural precision, vibrant color palettes, and a sense of awe that reflects the grandeur of the sites he visited. His attention to historical accuracy and his romantic portrayal of these exotic locations earned him widespread acclaim during his lifetime. His publication, “The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt, and Nubia,” became a landmark series of lithographs, bringing the wonders of these distant lands to a European audience.

Today, David Roberts’ works are treasured for their cultural and historical significance, offering a captivating glimpse into the 19th-century fascination with the ancient world.