Gezicht op Jeruzalem 1852

François Stroobant made this lithograph of Jerusalem at an unknown date. This image invites us to consider how western artists represented the Middle East during a time of increasing colonial presence. Stroobant depicts Jerusalem with careful attention to architectural detail, emphasizing its ancient walls and domes. Yet, the figures in the foreground, seemingly engaged in leisure, bring a contemporary element to the scene. This combination reflects a common 19th-century European perspective, which saw the Middle East as a site of both historical significance and contemporary life, ready for Western intervention. The Rijksmuseum's collection provides further context, revealing how Dutch artists and institutions participated in broader European dialogues about the East. Examining travelogues and colonial documents alongside artworks like this lithograph helps us to understand the complex interplay between artistic representation and socio-political power.