The Town of Tiberias on the Lake of Gennesereth or Sea of Galilee

Clarke employs a muted palette and delicate brushwork, allowing the hills to recede into a pale blue haze that creates atmospheric depth. The soft handling of water and sky contributes to the overall sense of serenity, while the precise rendering of the camels adds a subtle narrative element.

The image derives from sketches Clarke made during his July 1801 journey to the area. These sketches were later transformed into a published etching by Letitia Byrne in 1812. The original watercolour became part of a series that was purchased by collector Rodney Searight in 1968.

Created at the turn of the 19th century, the work reflects the period’s growing European interest in the Holy Land’s geography and antiquities. Clarke’s travel notes and visual records contributed to contemporary knowledge of the region’s topography and cultural landmarks.