Original hand-colored lithograph by David Roberts (English, 1796-1864) "Perfect Gift - Church of St. Helena Bethlehem", published by F.G. Moon, 1842. The Church of the Nativity (Chancel of the Church of St. Helena) showing the section of the church near the altar. Located in Bethlehem, in the West Bank, Palestine, the church was originally commissioned in 327 by Constantine the Great and his mother Helena over the site that was traditionally considered to be located over the cave that marks the birthplace of Jesus. The Church of the Nativity site's original basilica was completed in 339 and destroyed by fire during the Samaritan Revolts in the 6th century. A new basilica was built 565 by Justinian, the Byzantine Emperor, restoring architectural aspects of the original. The site of the Church of the Nativity has had numerous additions since this second construction, including its prominent bell towers. Due to its cultural and geographical history, the site holds a prominent religious significance, most importantly to Christians.David Roberts, considered one of the great architectural artists of his time, was born at Stockbridge near Edinburgh and at the age of ten, apprenticed to Gavin Buego, a house painter. Following his apprenticeship, Roberts did faux stone work and paneling at Scone Palace and Abercairney Abbey. In 1818, Roberts worked as as assistant scene painter in theatres in Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Drury Lane Theatre in London. Throughout the 1820s, he exhibited at the Society of British Artists and the Royal Academy. By 1830, Roberts was firmly established as a topographical artist. He then was able to give up his theatre work and travel, toruing the continent, Scotland and Spain. In 1839, he departed for Alexandria and spent the remaining part of the year in Cairo, visiting numerous tombs and other sites. The following year he crossed the desert to get to the Holy Land by way of Suez, Mount Sinai, Petra and Gaza. He went on to Jerusalem, spending several months visiting key biblical sites and returned to England at the end of 1839. Roberts' works were published in London as lithographs by Louis Haghe (1806 – 1885), himself a lithographer and watercolor artist, in 41 parts over seven years, 1842 – 1849. This became one of Haghe's most ambitious and successful projects and confirmed Roberts as one of England's great architectural and landscape artists. Matted in a 3 inch-wide, ivory acid-free mat. Provenance: Phyllis Lucas Gallery, NYC. [Image size: Height: 14.5 in (36.83 cm); Width: 19.5 in (49.53 cm). Mat: Height: 20.5 in; Width: 25.5 in]. In good condition.

In good condition.