Askelon: David Roberts 1842

Image] Product ID: 308041 This beautiful hand-colored lithograph depicting Israeli city of Ashkelon was published by David Roberts in 1842. The son of a poor shoemaker, Robert’s natural artistic talents led him to become a successful theatrical backdrop painter before transitioning to fine art oil painting. In 1838 he embarked on a tour of Egypt and the Middle East to sketch popular attractions. The works he produced from these sketches have inspired generations of armchair adventurers. His diary entries were less inspiring. This is what he had to say about the Great Pyramid of Giza:  “Not much struck with the size of the great one till I began the ascent, which is no joke”.