David Roberts, R.A. (1796-1864)

The present watercolour was engraved by Finden for T.H. Horne's Landscape Illustrations of the Bible and was drawn by Roberts from an on the spot sketch by Frederick Catherwood, before Roberts himself visited the Holyland. Catherwood, along with his companions Arundale and Bonomi, made the first complete survey of the Dome of the Rock in 1833. Catherwood dressed as an Egyptian officer began to make drawings with his camera lucida, he was surrounded by a threatening mob until saved by the intervention of the Governor of Jerusalem.

We are grateful to Briony Llewelyn for her help in preparing this catalogue entry.