Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem

Artist Walter Gay (American, 1856 - 1937)

Datec. 1878

MediumWatercolor

Dimensions9 3/4 x 13 5/8 in.

ClassificationsWatercolor

Credit LineBequest of Howard H. Bristol, Jr.

Object number2000.09

DescriptionAlthough there is no direct evidence which suggests that Gay traveled to Palestine, he may have possibly visited North Africa and the Middle East in the late 1870s during a trip to Andalusia in southern Spain. "Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem "depicts the celebrated Islamic shrine, located on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. It was constructed from 687-691 A.D. under the reign of the 9th Caliph (ruler), Abd al-Malik. Gay pays careful attention to the architectural and decorative features of the building, particularly in the pointed arches at the entrance of the shrine. In the foreground, a group of Arabs converse and relax in the bright sunlight. The entire scene is bathed in a golden, Mediterranean light and the wind seems to blow through the cypress and olive trees. Gay employed a remarkable array of blues, greens, and tans which perfectly compliment the vibrant colors of the Dome of the Rock's exterior.

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