Kom Ombo. Nov. 21st, 1838. 1846 - 1849

David Roberts made this watercolor painting titled "Kom Ombo. Nov. 21st, 1838" in 1838. Roberts was a Scottish painter known for his detailed depictions of historical sites and landscapes, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa. This work reflects the 19th-century European fascination with the "Orient," an interest deeply entangled with colonialism and the desire to document and possess foreign lands through art. Roberts's representation of Kom Ombo, a temple in Egypt, showcases both his artistic skill and the Orientalist perspective prevalent at the time. The inclusion of small figures, presumably locals, emphasizes the scale of the ruins and subtly reinforces a narrative of European exploration and discovery. What we see in this painting also tells the story of cultural exchange, and the complex power dynamics involved in artistic representation and historical interpretation. While admiring its aesthetic qualities, we can reflect on the historical context and cultural implications of such works.