Dakke, in Nubia. Nov. 14th, 1836. 1846 - 1849

David Roberts made this tinted lithograph titled "Dakke, in Nubia" in 1836. The image depicts the temple of Dakke in Nubia, now modern-day Sudan, and is based on sketches Roberts made during his travels in the Middle East. Roberts was fascinated by the region’s ancient monuments and biblical history, interests he shared with a wide British audience. This print belongs to a tradition of European Orientalism, which often represented the Middle East as exotic and timeless. The inclusion of local people in the foreground emphasizes the perceived contrast between the ancient ruins and contemporary life. To better understand this image, we can examine travel accounts, archaeological reports, and studies of Orientalism. This allows us to see how European artists like Roberts shaped perceptions of the Middle East and participated in the broader cultural and political dynamics of their time.