ROBERTS, DAVID, R.A., a painter of great eminence, was b. at Edinburgh on Oct 24, 1796, and began life there as apprentice to a house-painter. His talent for art becoming obvious, he was set to study at the Trustees' academy; and in 1822 he went to London, where he found employment as a scene-painter at Drury Lane theater. 'Clarkson Stanfield. since famous as a marine-painter, was then also working at Drury Lane, and between him and Roberts an affectionate intimacy ensued, which ceased only with life. In 1826 a picture of "Rouen Cathedral," exhibited by Roberts at the royal academy, drew attention by its marked ability. The year after appeared his painting of " St. Germains at Amiens." Shortly after he left England, and for seven years was 'engaged in sketching in Spain, Africa, and the east. As the result of his labors, there was given to the world in 1839 the splendid work, in 4 vols., entitled Sketches in the Holy Land, Syria, Idamast, Arabia, Egypt, and Vubi,r. The book contains 246 subjects, lithographed by Louis Hague, and illustrated by a historical commentary furnished by Dr. Croly. It is the finest and most elaborate thing of the kind perhaps ever produced,
and of itself it would have sufficed for a great reputation to the artist. Pending its appearance, he had resumed his contributions to the academy, of which in 1839 he was elected an associate; the full dignity of academician being conferred on him two years after. From this time forward he grew steadily in fame, and in 1854 he was selected by the queen to paint for her the " Inauguration of the Great Exhibition in 1851," a task which he achieved with admirable success. In his chosen field of architecture, during all his later life. he was admittedly without a rival. In addition to his unremitting work for the academy he illustrated many bookS, and issued the admirable series of lithographs, "Spanish Sketches," wlich attained a great popularity. He died Nov. :23, 1864.
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