The Duomo at Brescia, Interior 1851

David Roberts made this pencil sketch of the Duomo at Brescia in 1851, when the artist was travelling in Italy. Roberts was a celebrated Scottish painter, renowned for his romantic depictions of architectural subjects and his detailed views of the Near East. During his lifetime, Roberts was praised for his skill in capturing the grandeur and scale of architectural spaces. However, like many artists of his era, Roberts's work also reflected the imperialistic attitudes of the time. As Europe expanded its colonial reach, artists like Roberts played a role in shaping perceptions of foreign lands and cultures. Looking at this sketch today, it's interesting to consider how the artist’s vision might have been influenced by the cultural context in which it was produced. As viewers, we are invited to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in how different cultures are represented and understood through art. What does it mean to approach this work from a contemporary perspective, acknowledging the complex historical forces that shaped its creation?