Watercolor, gouache, and graphite on paper, 1838, signed and dated at lower right, matted and framed under glass.

Sheet sight 15 5/8 x 11 in. Frame dimensions 12 1/4 x 21 1/2 in.

From the Collection of Professor Roberto Severino, Washington, D.C.

David Roberts was born and raised near Edinburgh, Scotland. At the age of twelve, Roberts was offered a job painting scenery for a circus and spent 15 years doing theatre set designs throughout Great Britain. By 1830, Roberts had abandoned the theatre and moved to London with a determination to become an easel painter. In 1832, he traveled to Spain, Morocco, Tangiers, and Tetuan in Africa, painting exotic landscapes. In 1838, he departed for a visit to The Holy Land, traveling first to Marseilles, through Greece and Malta, and then to Alexandria. It was in Egypt where he visited the great pyramids among other ancient landmarks, and drew inspiration for his career in painting the Holy Land and scenes of his travels.

In this work, a small French flag can be seen waving from the cornice of the building adjacent to the tower. This work was likely painted during or inspired by Robert's visit to Marseilles while en route to Alexandria.

Returning to London in 1839, Roberts was admitted to the Royal Academy, established a studio, and remained in the United Kingdom until the end of his life. Today his work can be found in the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, the National Galleries of Scotland, the National Gallery of Canada, the Denver Art Museum, the Brooklyn Museum of Art, and the Courtauld Institute of Art.

Small tear at upper left corner, allover toning, scattered minor spotting including spot at lower right corner.