3-052-319 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Bethlehem, drawn by H. A. Harper, 1872. Engraving of one of a '...series of drawings and sketches made in the Holy Land, Egypt, Nubia, and Constantinople, exhibited in the gallery of Messrs, T. Agnew and Sons, in Waterloo-place...The landscape is effectively rendered by Mr. Harper's pencil. His point of view was near the convent of Mar Elias, to the left of the road from Jerusalem. The scenery reminded him of South Devon. He was struck by the appearance of the people at Bethlehem, who have quite European faces. The women are the handsomest he saw in the East. It is said that they are descended from the Crusaders. They are Christians; and they gain a livelihood by making beads, crosses, and mother-of-pearl ornaments, for sale to the pilgrims and other visitors'. From "Illustrated London News", 1880.