Fountain of the Virgin, Nazareth 1847

This print of the Fountain of the Virgin in Nazareth was made by David Roberts, a Scottish painter, in the 19th century. The image reflects the orientalist style that was popular in Europe at this time. Roberts visited the Middle East and North Africa. He created romanticized images of landscapes and scenes of everyday life, that catered to the European fascination with the ‘exotic’ Orient. His work presents a vision of the East that was filtered through Western expectations and biases. The print depicts locals gathering water, while armed figures on horseback add a sense of drama. The artist’s choice of subject matter and his romanticized style highlight the power dynamics between the West and the Middle East. The Fountain of the Virgin and its representations reflect broader cultural and historical contexts. Art historians use a range of primary sources to analyze the complex interplay between art, society, and power.