Picturesque Palestine, Sinai and Egypt: Artworks and Letters of John Douglas Woodward, 1878-1879

John Douglas Woodward's drawings and letters from his trip to Palestine in the 1870s are presented in this book, which is a beautiful and engaging presentation. He was on assignment for New York publisher D. Appleton and Co. to make on-the-spot drawings for illustrations for Picturesque Palestine, Sinai and Egypt (1881–1883), which has been called the most important book of illustrations of the region of its time. Woodward's travels for Picturesque Palestine yielded a treasure trove of unique historical art and correspondence, which are now stored at Shrine Mont in Virginias Shenandoah Valley and the Valentine History Museum in Richmond.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 11 April 2024
Publisher: George F. Thompson

John Douglas Woodward (1846–1924) was a prominent American artist/illustrator during the 1870s and 1880s. He was on assignment for New York publisher D. Appleton and Co. to make on-the-spot drawings for illustrations for Picturesque Palestine, Sinai and Egypt (1881–1883), which has been called the most important book of illustrations of the region of its time. Some 200 of his compositions appeared in the book as wood engravings, the least expensive mass media of the time, while he contributed the art for 13 steel engravings. Woodward traveled with the somewhat older and better-known artist, Harry Fenn, who was the lead artist for the very successful Picturesque America, published by D. Appleton in parts from 1872–1874. Woodward was the second most prolific contributor to Picturesque America and, like Fenn, also travelled and drew for Picturesque Europe (1878–1879). Woodward's travels for Picturesque Palestine yielded a treasure trove of unique historical art and correspondence. Most drawings for book and magazine illustrations during this period were discarded by the artist after the printing plates were made. But Woodward saved his, providing a visual record, often in full color, of the region, in addition to the black-and-white illustrations in the book. In presenting them alongside his lively, engaging letters, this book will appeal to those interested in the history and art of the Middle East as well as in the appearance of places of importance mentioned in the Holy Bible and the specifics of travel to the region during the 1870s, when there was almost no tourist infrastructure and limited knowledge of other cultures. Although Picturesque Palestine is well-known to scholars and connoisseurs and avid collectors, this book offers a fresh perspective on the region's art and culture. The book includes over 200 illustrations, including wood engravings, steel engravings, and photographs, as well as Woodward's letters and sketches. The illustrations are accompanied by detailed captions that provide information about the subjects and their historical significance. The book also includes a map of the region, which helps to orient the reader. The book is divided into three sections: Palestine, Sinai, and Egypt. Each section includes a brief introduction that provides background information on the region and its history. The illustrations in each section are grouped by theme, such as landscapes, cities, and people. The illustrations are stunning and evocative, capturing the beauty and diversity of the region. The book also includes a section on the history of the region, which provides a detailed overview of the various civilizations that have inhabited the region over the centuries. The book is well-written and accessible to a wide audience. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history and art of the Middle East. The illustrations are beautiful and evocative, and the book provides a wealth of information about the region's history and culture. The book is well-organized and easy to read, and it is a pleasure to browse through. Overall, this book is a beautiful and engaging presentation of drawings and letters by John Douglas Woodward, a prominent American artist/illustrator during the 1870s and 1880s. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history and art of the Middle East.

Dimension: 254 x 229 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781938086533