Baalbek. Ruins of Jupiter Cathedral and Cathedral of Sun. 1882

Vasily Polenov captured the Baalbek ruins in this painting, a site layered with histories from the Roman period to its depiction here in the late 19th century. Polenov, as a Russian artist, positions himself within a tradition of European Orientalism, which often exoticized and idealized the Middle East and its cultural heritage. The painting invites us to consider the complex interplay between power, representation, and cultural appropriation. How does Polenov, as an outsider, engage with the history and identity of this place? Does the artwork perpetuate stereotypical images, or does it offer a more nuanced perspective? The romanticized depiction of the ruins creates a sense of timelessness. Polenov said he strives to capture the “poetry of the past,” but what does it mean to aestheticize ruins? By focusing on the picturesque decay, does the artwork obscure the historical and cultural complexities, or does it offer a space for reflection on the passage of time and the transience of civilizations?