Kamelen met drijvers in Baalbek 1875

Jules Laurens made this lithograph, "Camels with Drivers in Baalbek", in the 19th century. It depicts a scene from what is now Lebanon and offers a glimpse into the cultural context of the region during a period of increasing European interest in the Middle East. The image employs visual codes that reflect the Orientalist tendencies prevalent at the time. The detailed rendering of the camels and their drivers, set against the backdrop of Baalbek, creates an exotic and romanticized view of the East. This depiction catered to the European fascination with the region, fueled by colonial ambitions and a desire for the "authentic" and "untouched." France, like other European powers, had political and economic interests in the Middle East. Art played a role in shaping public perceptions and justifying colonial endeavors. By studying travel accounts, journalistic reports, and political records from the time, we can understand how this lithograph both reflected and contributed to the complex relationship between Europe and the Middle East.