The entrance to the Citadel of Cairo. 1846 - 1849

David Roberts created this print, "The Entrance to the Citadel of Cairo", during a time when Europe was captivated by the "Orient." Roberts, a Scottish artist, traveled to the Middle East, and his detailed depictions reinforced a Western fascination with what was then seen as an exotic and mysterious land. These images, while celebrated for their accuracy, were also viewed through the lens of colonialism. Consider how Roberts positions himself as an observer, carefully documenting the scene before him, shaping the narrative for a European audience. The groupings of people are arranged carefully, perhaps catering to European expectations of Eastern life, a life Roberts witnessed but could never truly experience. What does it mean to represent a culture not your own? And how does that representation affect both the subject and the viewer? Think about the power dynamics at play here and how they echo through history, reminding us of the complexities inherent in viewing art from different cultural perspectives.