Special Presentation of Prints by David Roberts

Jerusalem And The Holy Land Rediscovered

An exclusive New England exhibition of stunning 19th Century lithographs of the Holy Land is a highlight of the 2004 Christmas season at the Knights of Columbus Museum. “Jerusalem and the Holy Land Rediscovered” a collection of 90 hand-tinted lithographs by the renowned Scottish topographical artist David Roberts, will remain on display for just two more weeks, until January 9.

Mr Roberts created the prints during an expedition to the Middle East during the years 1838-39, before the advent of photography, and he was one of the first artists to document the Holy Land visually, during a time when that region of the Middle East became more accessible to Westerners

The famous Scottish architectural and landscape painter traveled extensively through Egypt, what is now Israel, Jordan and Lebanon. He viewed the Sinai, Jerusalem, Petra, the Jordan Valley, Galilee and historic northern cities through an artist’ s eye.

Read the entire article at the The Newtown Bee Web Site

Jerusalem and the Holy Land Rediscovered

11/1/2004 – 1/9/2005

In 1838, a famous Scottish architectural and landscape painter, David Roberts, traveled extensively through Egypt, what is now Israel, Jordan and Lebanon. He viewed the Sinai, Jerusalem, Petra, the Jordan Valley, Galilee and historic northern cities through an artist’s eye.

His exquisite paintings immortalized the Holy Land of that period, capturing its beauty, sacred aura and mystique in a time capsule. A total of 90 of Roberts’ tinted and hand-colored lithographs, on loan from Duke University, form the exhibit.

Roberts was one of the first artists to document the Holy Land visually when that region of the Middle East became more accessible to Westerners. His meticulously rendered views of the sites, monuments, and ruins of the landscape of the Bible have greatly influenced the way we envision that ancient land. They provide a beautiful record of the geographic and spiritual center of the world’s three major monotheistic religions.

The drawings of Roberts’ 1838-39 tour were published as lithographs upon his return to England and are now part of Duke’s Nasher Museum of Art.

An extraordinary topographical artist, Roberts presents a realistic, accurate rendition of the area and its inhabitants. The exquisite representation of local color, dress and customs in his images, as well as their artistic quality, technical refinement and detailed rendition of revered places offers something for everyone. Students and aficionados of art, history, geography and the Bible will find something to admire and enjoy.

For details visit the Knights of Columbus Museum Web Site