The original painting, which measured a huge 7 x 12ft (2.13 x 3.65m), was painted in 1849 and is considered among the finest of Roberts’ Holy Land depictions.
The artist used the writings of Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, an eyewitness to the Roman siege and the destruction of Jerusalem, to create the work.
The painting has a history of vanishing: after its premiere in London it disappeared in 1854, only resurfacing over 100 years later at a Christie’s auction in 1961. It sold to an Italian dealer before disappearing once again.
This 2ft 3in x 3ft 6in (69cm x 1.08m) reproduction, above, consigned from a local private vendor, was made by 19th century Belgian platemaker Louis Haghe (1806-85).
Typically, such lithographs are valued in the low three figures, but what makes this example more valuable is the presence of signatures by both the artist and Haghe.
Guided at a meatier £7000-10,000 estimate to reflect this, it sold to a local private buyer for £6500.
