Approach to Mount Sinai 

David Roberts made this watercolor of the Sinai Peninsula sometime in the first half of the 19th century. Roberts was a Scottish painter known for his detailed depictions of historical sites, particularly in the Middle East and the painting captures the spirit of Orientalism, a Western fascination with the cultures and landscapes of the East. The composition invites us to consider the dynamics between the Western artist and the people and places he portrays. Notice how the figures are arranged in the foreground, their clothing and activities suggesting a sense of exoticism. Roberts's work, though celebrated for its detail, has also been critiqued for its romanticized and sometimes inaccurate portrayals of the region. Understanding such art requires careful attention to both its aesthetic qualities and its historical context. By looking at travel logs, colonial documents, and the biographies of artists like Roberts, we can gain insight into the complex interplay between art, culture, and power.