Ehrenbreitstein, Rhine, Antique Steel Engraving after David Roberts, circa 1834

About this sheet

A golden, contre-jour view of the fortress of Ehrenbreitstein on its cliff above the river, with the sun breaking through clouds behind it. A long bridge of many arches crosses the water at the center, and at right the towers and spires of the town rise against the light, among them a pair of tall onion-capped towers.

In the foreground cattle wade and drink in the shallows, one lying on the bank beside a herdsman who leans on his staff. The pastoral scene in the foreground and the military mass of the fortress beyond make a classic picturesque contrast.

Ehrenbreitstein stands on the Rhine opposite Koblenz, at the meeting of the Rhine and the Moselle. The plate is lettered "EHRENBREITSTEIN." and credits D. Roberts (David Roberts, the Scottish painter famous for his views of Spain and the Holy Land) and the engraver J.H. Kernot. Beneath the title are the line "E. Brain Printer" and the imprint of the London publishers Saunders & Otley, for the proprietor E.I. Roberts. Plates with this imprint were issued as illustrations to Edward Bulwer's The Pilgrims of the Rhine, published by Saunders and Otley in 1834.

This is a small steel engraving with a luminous sky, the rays of light radiating from behind the cliff in fine engraved lines, and the reflections of the bridge arches softly broken on the water.

A lovely small piece for a set of Rhine views, a study or a bedside wall, framed in narrow gilt.

Condition: Light handling wear to the bottom right, top left, top right and bottom left corners; minor nicks along the bottom edge. Even age toning. A few small foxing spots in the margin.

This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed. Any framed or interior images are shown for presentation and inspiration only, unless the listing explicitly states that the item is sold framed.