The Altar of Baal 1885

Harry Fenn’s Altar of Baal, made with graphite, pen, and watercolor around the late 19th century, evokes a sense of ancient mystery and religious practice in the Middle East. Fenn was an English-born American illustrator, known for his detailed landscapes and architectural renderings. In this piece, the stark, monochrome palette emphasizes the rugged terrain and the weathered altar, suggesting a timeless quality. The figures in the scene, rendered with ethnographic precision, offer a glimpse into the contemporary inhabitants of the region. This artwork reflects a broader Orientalist trend in Western art during the period, where the Middle East was depicted as exotic and ancient. By focusing on the Altar of Baal, Fenn touches upon biblical narratives and archaeological interests prevalent at the time. Understanding this artwork requires delving into travel literature, archaeological reports, and religious texts that shaped Western perceptions of the Middle East. Fenn’s illustration serves as a visual document, revealing as much about Western cultural attitudes as it does about the depicted subject.