An Arab of the desert of Sinai 1858

John Frederick Lewis painted ‘An Arab of the desert of Sinai’ using oil on canvas, and its smooth surface gives it a feeling of realism, yet it is a fabrication. The artist was one of many in the 19th century who became fascinated by the ‘Orient,’ and traveled to the Middle East to record what they saw. But as we look at this portrait, we should remember that it is filtered through a Western lens. Lewis has lavished attention on the details of his subject’s costume and surroundings, clearly relishing the textures and patterns of the fabrics. While his attention to detail is impressive, we might ask what is missing? What about the social and economic realities of life in the Sinai desert at the time? It is important to consider the power dynamics involved in the creation of such images, and to remember that art is never truly neutral.