Self-Portrait 

David Roberts painted this self-portrait, dressed in orientalist garb, in the first half of the 19th century. This image allows us to reflect on the fascination and often misinformed portrayals of the ‘Orient’ by Western artists. Roberts presents himself wearing a turban and Middle Eastern clothing, holding what appears to be a scimitar. This romanticized depiction reflects the West’s interest in the ‘exotic’ cultures of the East, particularly the Middle East, during this time. Britain was expanding its empire and images of far-off lands fuelled imaginations. Paintings like this were not simply innocent representations; they were powerful tools that shaped perceptions and justified colonial ambitions. Roberts' self-portrait, therefore, becomes a fascinating document of the cultural dynamics of his era. To understand this portrait fully, we must consider the social and political contexts of 19th-century Britain, the history of Orientalism, and the role of art in shaping public opinion.