Petra. Ruins of a Triumphal Arch 

This watercolor painting by David Roberts depicts the ruins of a triumphal arch in Petra, an ancient city in Jordan. Roberts, known for his depictions of the Middle East, captures the grandeur of the lost civilization through the crumbling stone structure and the vastness of the surrounding landscape. The scene is infused with a sense of melancholy, yet it also celebrates the resilience of nature and the enduring power of ancient architecture. The inclusion of local figures adds a touch of human presence and serves to further emphasize the scale of the ruins.