In 1839, Scottish artist David Roberts (1796–1864) embarked on a legendary journey through the Middle East. That year, he arrived at Petra — the “lost city” hidden deep in the Jordanian desert — and captured its wonders in art for the first time.
“I have rarely seen a spot more striking or more truly magnificent. The effect is beyond all imagination…”
— David Roberts, 1839, upon entering Petra
These words, recorded in his travel journals, reveal the awe Roberts felt as he stood before the Treasury, the Royal Tombs, and the towering cliffs carved by Nabataean hands.
Roberts sketched and painted Petra’s ancient façades with extraordinary detail and emotion. His works were later published in the celebrated collection:
“The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt, and Nubia” (1842–1849).
This publication was the first time the Western world saw Petra so vividly — not as a myth, but as a real and reachable place of beauty, history, and grandeur.
Roberts’ Paintings Today:
You can view his Petra lithographs in world-class institutions such as the British Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum.
Visitors to Petra Today:
You can stand where Roberts once stood — looking up at the same rose-red stone monuments that inspired his iconic art.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1838 | Petra rediscovered by Western explorers (Johann Ludwig Burckhardt) |
| 1839 | David Roberts visits Petra and sketches key monuments |
| 1842–49 | His works published in “The Holy Land…” collection |
| Late 1800s | Petra becomes known in Europe through art and literature |
| 1985 | Petra designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| 2007 | Petra named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World |
ES
IT
FR
DE
RO
RU
PT
