The holy tree of Metereah
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About Reproduction
Bring the timeless beauty of David Roberts's The holy tree of Metereah into your home with a handmade oil painting reproduction. Carefully recreated on canvas by skilled artists using traditional techniques, this piece captures the delicate brushwork, subtle light, and vibrant color of the original masterpiece. With museum-level quality and rich texture, it brings elegance and artistic depth to any space. Enjoy free shipping and make this masterpiece a part of your personal collection.
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Original Description
David Roberts’ The Holy Tree of Metereah is a captivating mid-19th century orientalist masterpiece that transports viewers to an exotic biblical landscape. Painted in 1839 during Roberts’ seminal journey through Egypt and the Holy Land, this romantic watercolor depicts a colossal sycamore tree believed by locals to be the biblical "Tree of Zacchaeus." Roberts’ meticulous draftsmanship renders the gnarled trunk and sprawling canopy with sublime realism, while luminous washes of ochre and umber evoke the arid Middle Eastern light. The inclusion of robed figures praying beneath its sacred boughs enhances the spiritual mystique—a hallmark of Victorian orientalist fascination with sacred geography. As one of over 200 lithographs published in Roberts’ The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt & Nubia, this work became instrumental in shaping Western perceptions of biblical landscapes. Today, it stands as a touchstone of ethnographic accuracy blended with picturesque sensibility in 19th-century travel art.
For interiors seeking historical gravitas with exotic allure, The Holy Tree makes a striking statement piece. In a study or library, its weathered earth tones would harmonize beautifully with Chesterfield leather furniture and brass accent lighting, with the tree’s verticality enhancing ceiling height perception. Consider pairing it with Moorish-patterned textiles or Berber rugs to reinforce its Eastern provenance. The standard 23x16 inch lithograph size suits above mantels or as part of a salon-style gallery wall alongside smaller Middle Eastern souvenirs. For contemporary offices, frame it in blackened oak against sage green walls—the painting’s warm umbers will create rich color vibration, while its spiritual subject matter adds contemplative depth to workspaces. Always display with directional lighting to accentuate Roberts’ delicate rendering of dappled shadows beneath the ancient boughs.
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Lead Time & Shipping
When you order this oil painting replica, it typically takes 2-3 weeks to paint. If the artwork is more complex, it might need a little more time to ensure the best quality. Once it's ready, we'll send you a photo for your approval. After you give the green light, we'll ship it to you for free.
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Return & Refund
We believe in the quality of our hand-painted oil painting reproductions, and your satisfaction is our priority. If for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we offer a 45-day return policy. You can return your artwork within 45 days of receipt and receive a full refund. Please note that the artwork must be returned in the original packaging and in the same condition as it was received.
