The Shadow of a Rock, by William J. Webb(e) (1830-1912[?]). c. late 1860s. Oil on canvas. 48 x 38 inches (121.9 x 96.5 cm). Private collection. Image courtesy of Christie's (not to be downloaded; right click disabled).
Webb exhibited no painting under this title at any of the principal London venues and, although undated, it was probably painted in the later 1860s based on sketches done years earlier. The work features three Arab men resting from the heat of the day. One older and one younger man are seated, wearing turbans, and smoking their long stemmed "Oriental type" pipes. The young man standing wears a keffiyeh headdress and is holding a staff in his left hand. Two dromedary camels are also resting out of the hot sun in the shade of a massive cliff face. A further traveller can be seen approaching along s rocky path towards their resting place. The whole scene takes place in the brilliant sunshine of a blue cloudless sky.
Bibliography
Nineteen Century European Art Including Orientalist Art. London: Christie's (June 12, 2012): lot 92.
Created 2 June 2025