Petra, Jordan (1834) by David Roberts
Description: "Petra, Jordan (1834)" by David Roberts is a dramatic and evocative painting that captures the majestic ruins of Petra, an ancient Nabatean city carved into the rose-red cliffs of southern Jordan. Created in 1834, this work reflects Roberts' fascination with the exotic and historical sites of the Middle East, which he visited during his extensive travels. The composition presents a stunning view of Petra's most famous structure, Al-Khazneh (The Treasury), with its intricate rock-carved facade illuminated by the sunlight. The narrow gorge, known as the Siq, frames the scene, enhancing the monument's grandeur and highlighting the dramatic contrast between the carved architecture and the surrounding natural rock formations.
Roberts employs a warm palette of ochres, pinks, and reds to convey the unique colors of the Petra sandstone, while his use of light and shadow enhances the sense of depth and mystery. The inclusion of small figures, such as local Bedouins or travelers, adds scale and context, emphasizing the monumental size of the ancient structures. "Petra, Jordan (1834)" exemplifies Roberts' Romantic and Orientalist style, combining precise topographical representation with a poetic appreciation for the exotic beauty and historical significance of Petra.
Details:
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Location and Date Created: Petra, Jordan, 1834.
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Medium: Lithograph originally based on watercolor sketches; later editions in oil.
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Full Artwork Name: Petra, Jordan (1834).
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Artwork Style: Romanticism, Orientalism.
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Subject/Topic: A landscape view of the ancient Nabatean city of Petra, featuring the iconic facade of Al-Khazneh (The Treasury), capturing the site's architectural grandeur and natural beauty.