Pilgrims Approaching Jerusalem

Jerusalem is bathed in early evening light. A stream of pilgrims return to the city under armed guard after bathing in the River Jordan. From the Mount of Olives, the group will pass the Tomb of Absalom before climbing up to the city. The Mosque of Omar is visible on the first hill. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre rises behind on Mount Sion. Two monks observe the scene, one wearing the scallop shells of St James on his habit. Three men have set up prayer mats facing the city, an inspiration to all faiths. This is, however, an inaccuracy, as they should be facing south towards Mecca, not west towards Jerusalem.

David Roberts arrived in Jerusalem on Good Friday, 1839. He had journeyed to the Holy Land to make watercolour and pencil studies for a volume of lithographs (The Holy Land, 1842-1849). He also used these studies to make paintings like this one, which was commissioned by Lord Monson of Gatton Park, near Reigate, Surrey. Monson visited the Holy Land but died shortly afterwards from an illness he contracted there.

Purchased by Thomas Holloway, 1883.