Petra, Jordan 1834

David Roberts's 1834 watercolor, "Petra, Jordan," showcases the artist's fascination with ancient civilizations. The painting captures the dramatic landscape of Petra, an ancient Nabataean city carved into sandstone cliffs, with a focus on the theater. Roberts's masterful use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and scale, highlighting the grandeur of the ruins against the arid landscape. This work is a testament to the enduring power of human creativity and the beauty of the natural world, offering a glimpse into a world lost to time.