Orientalism

by Delaynna Trim, Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art Curator

The Sultana by Franz Xaver Kosler

Looking closely at Jean Leon Gerome’s Femme en Serail at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, you notice all the intricate details of the tiles and the ironwork. This piece and the nearby portraits by Charles Landelle and Franz Xaver Kosler are all examples of the style of Orientalism. Orientalism was a popular style in the 19^th century. This style focused on the “exotic” Middle East and North Africa. 

Jean Leon Gerome visited Egypt, Jerusalem, and Damascus in 1856.  During his travels he sketched these locations as well as purchased clothing and artifacts that he brought back to his studio. Back in his studio, he would then use his sketches as inspiration and add models dressed in these clothes and holding these artifacts to create these exotic paintings.

Femme en Serail by Jean Leon Gerome

In Femme en Serail, we can see the peacock fan in her lap, the hookah on the small side table covered with a beautiful floral fabric, and the tiger rug in the bottom of the painting – all exotic objects at the time. Femme en Serail refers to a woman living in a harem.  While he likely did not actually visit a harem, he did travel extensively in the Middle East and North Africa, so his travels informed this painting.

Born in Vienna, Franz Xaver Kosler studied painting at the Akademie der Bildenden Künste (Academy of Fine Arts Vienna). From 1886 to 1892, Franz Xaver Kosler visited Montenegro, Albania, and Egypt. Two years later, he returned to Egypt thanks to Archduke Ferdinand Karl, the younger brother of Franz Ferdinand whose assassination helped start WWI. Kosler painted many portraits of women like this one, as well as paintings featuring the common people and detailing everyday life.

Armenian Lady by Charles Landelle

In 1837, Charles Landelle was admitted to the Ecole des Beaux Arts (School of Fine Arts Paris) when he was 16. In 1856, he traveled to the Middle East and North Africa. He returned in 1860 and 1866. In 1875, he sailed the Nile with explorer and Egyptologist Auguste Édouard Mariette. From 1881 to 1892, he traveled every winter to Algeria to paint.  He specialized in portraits like ours.

These artists were fascinated with the people and culture of the Middle East and North Africa. They wanted to capture the impression of the people and culture that they saw for others to enjoy. Later, Impressionists would be captivated by the different qualities of light there as opposed to darker Europe.

Decorative Tile Art Create decorative tile art like you see in the background Gerome’s painting. For the directions on this project and other tile art, check out mgmoa.org/art-projects/

Supplies: 2 – 3x3 post it notes (or paper cut to 3”x3”), Paper, Markers

1. Place one 3x3 piece of paper or post it note over the other at an angle to create an 8-sided shape. Trace this shape onto your paper, starting with one end and filling your paper.

2. 
   

   Now that you have the basic shape, start decorating your tiles. Be creative!