Original lithograph by David Roberts (Scottish, 1796-1864) titled “Entrance to Petra, The Theatre,” published in London, 1842. Titled “Entrance to Petra,” dated “March 10, 1839,” and signed in the plate. David Roberts writes about the scene, “This view exhibits another of the wonders of Petra. The Stream of Wady Mousa, here turning to the south, enters a ravine gradually narrowing. The cliffs are perforated, as usual, with numberless excavations; but the largest labour of this order, and the one which most directly meets the eye on entering the City from the eastward, is the Theatre.” [https://world4.eu/nabataean-theatre/]. Originally built by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago, the Theatre in Petra, Jordan was chiseled out of rock, slicing through many caves and tombs in the process. It was enlarged by the Romans to hold about 8,500 (around 30% of the population of Petra) soon after they arrived in 106 CE. Considered one of the great architectural artists of his time, David Roberts was born in Stockbridge near Edinburgh and at the age of 10, apprenticed to Gavin Buego, a house painter. Following his apprenticeship, Roberts did faux stonework and paneling at Scone Palace and Abercairney Abbey. In 1818, Roberts worked as an assistant scene painter in theaters in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and the Drury Lane Theater 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, touring 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. Provenance: Phyllis Lucas Gallery, NYC. [Sight: 21" H x 13 1/2" W; Mat: 26 1/2" H x 20" W].