The first image is an orientalist painting which represents a forbidden harem. Maryanne Stevens in The Orientalists: Delacroix to Matisse outlines that a piece of art can be identified as “orientalist” by looking at two major elements: 1) the subject matter, and 2) the technique. (Stevens, 15). In this case, the subject matter presents the inner happenings of a Sultan’s harem.
The image of the forbidden harem allows this European painter to visually manifest the Orient. The man on the elevated seat/throne, the emasculated Eunich in his white robe, is one of the two men present in this painting, and near of his hookah. He is seated at a higher level to ensure that he is able to gaze over the multiple women present in his harem, and he is able to act as the keeper of the harem. …show more content…
She has a belt around her waist, implying that she is a belly dancer who is entertaining the Sultan. The dress that she is wearing showcases her bare legs and her arms; making her appear to be a tantalising and teasing woman. The other women can be seen watching this performance going on with boredom. For instance, the woman in the red silk skirt, by the Sultan, can be seen laying her head on her hand, as if bored, and waiting for her turn. She can qualify as being the “Odelisque” figure in the image – someone who is idle and has to wait for her turn, or wait to be called on. The two women beside her can be seen gossiping or whispering about the women belly dancing. There are musicians in the left side of the image, implying the Orient’s endulgance on music and
The image of the forbidden harem allows this European painter to visually manifest the Orient. The man on the elevated seat/throne, the emasculated Eunich in his white robe, is one of the two men present in this painting, and near of his hookah. He is seated at a higher level to ensure that he is able to gaze over the multiple women present in his harem, and he is able to act as the keeper of the harem. …show more content…
She has a belt around her waist, implying that she is a belly dancer who is entertaining the Sultan. The dress that she is wearing showcases her bare legs and her arms; making her appear to be a tantalising and teasing woman. The other women can be seen watching this performance going on with boredom. For instance, the woman in the red silk skirt, by the Sultan, can be seen laying her head on her hand, as if bored, and waiting for her turn. She can qualify as being the “Odelisque” figure in the image – someone who is idle and has to wait for her turn, or wait to be called on. The two women beside her can be seen gossiping or whispering about the women belly dancing. There are musicians in the left side of the image, implying the Orient’s endulgance on music and