Bedouin Campfire at Night

Frederic Edwin Church, American, 1826–1900 · 1868-1869

Oil study showing a group of Bedouin guides and their camels resting near a campfire at night during Church's expedition to Petra. One figure at center turns to look at the viewer, his eye reflecting the fire's light. Another figure to the right is viewed from behind and forms a dark silhouette. The fire's flames and embers are carried to the right by the wind. Above the blaze, the heads and bodies of four camels are visible, delicately illuminated. The scene is otherwise black.