Tomb of Zechariah with Figures

David Roberts (1796–1865) was a renowned Scottish painter and lithographer, celebrated for his detailed architectural and landscape scenes. Born in Edinburgh, Roberts began his artistic career as a scene painter for theaters before transitioning to fine art. He is best known for his extensive travels throughout the Middle East, Spain, and Egypt, which inspired his most famous body of work—vivid depictions of ancient monuments and cityscapes. His medium of choice was primarily oil on canvas, but he also produced a significant series of lithographs, particularly his acclaimed publication "The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt, and Nubia" (1842–1849), which brought the wonders of the region to a European audience.

Roberts' works have been exhibited in major institutions, including the Royal Academy in London, where he was elected a full member in 1841. His paintings and prints are held in the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum, and the National Galleries of Scotland. At auction, Roberts' works have achieved notable results at leading houses such as Christie’s and Sotheby’s, with his large-scale oils and complete lithograph sets commanding significant interest from collectors. His meticulous attention to architectural detail and atmospheric rendering of light have secured his legacy as one of the foremost Orientalist artists of the 19th century.