View of Baalbek 

Jean-Léon Gérôme painted this view of Baalbek with oil on canvas. The loose, textured brushwork gives a sense of immediacy and the artist’s direct observation. Gérôme embraced the techniques of academic painting, but here he’s also interested in capturing the effects of light and atmosphere on the ancient ruins. The materiality of the paint, applied in thin layers, enhances the overall sense of transience. However, it's also important to consider the social context in which this painting was created. Gérôme was part of a tradition of Orientalist painters who traveled to the Middle East and North Africa in search of exotic subjects. These artists often depicted the region through a Western lens, reinforcing stereotypes and power dynamics. So, while the painting may seem like a straightforward depiction of an ancient site, it's also a product of its time and the social forces at play. By focusing on the materials, making, and context of "View of Baalbek," we can challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.