Two folio volumes comprising lithographs by Joseph Nash after sketches by David Wilkie. [London]: Messrs Graves and Warmsley / H. Graves, 1843 and 1846. English.
1. Sir David Wilkie's Sketches in Turkey, Syria & Egypt, 1840 & 1841. [London]: Messrs Graves and Warmsley, 1843.
Among the lithographs: Ottoman Sultan Abdulmejid I; Persian Prince Halakoo Mirza; inhabitants of various towns in the Ottoman Empire, including Jews in Jerusalem (woman with a child, group of women reading the scriptures); figures near the Ecce Homo arch; A Turkish courier announcing the occupation of Acre; and more.
[26] plates of lithographs (including lithographed title) + [1] f.
2. Sir David Wilkie's sketches, Spanish & Oriental. [London]: H. Graves, 1846.
Among the lithographs: Napoleon and the Pope at Fontainebleau; Mrs. Young, wife of William Tanner Young, British Consul in Jerusalem; Jewish lady at Pera, Istanbul; and more.
[26] plates of lithographs (including lithographed title) + [3] ff.
The lithographs are titled and signed in the plate; some are dated. Original bindings, with leather spines; gilt design to front.
Approx. 54 cm. Fair-good condition. All leaves loose, detached from bindings. Many stains, some dark. Minor marginal tears and blemishes. Long tears to endpapers of first volume. Bookplates inside front boards. Wear and blemishes to bindings.
The painter David Wilkie (1785-1841) was born in Scotland and studied art in London. In 1811 Wilkie was elected an associate of the Royal Academy of Art, and in 1830 was appointed Principal Painter in Ordinary to the King. In 1840, he embarked on a journey to the Middle East, to gather material for Biblical-themed works. During his jurney, Wilkie created many portrait-drawings, including a portrait of the Ottoman Sultan. In 1841, while on his way back to London, he fell sick and died on board of a ship near the shores of Gibraltar.
