And there was 1900

"And there was" is a 1900 oil painting by Russian artist Vasily Polenov, known for his realistic portrayal of everyday life. This small-scale work depicts a scene from the Middle East, likely Palestine, with a group of figures engaged in traditional tasks in a sun-drenched setting. The artist captures the warmth of the day, the rough textures of the building materials, and the subtle details of the figures' clothing and expressions, creating a sense of authentic observation. This painting is considered a fine example of Polenov's "Orientalist" style, which blends historical and biblical themes with the artist's own personal observations.