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19th-century Orientalist Reclining Odalisque Painting

19th Century [1880-1900]

$95,000
£72,806.01
€83,677.70
CA$133,432.17
A$149,335.21
CHF 78,171.65
MX$1,814,152.11
NOK 992,581.29
SEK 936,669.99
DKK 624,382.90

About the Item

Was she a gift to the Sultan, deliciously bejeweled and enrobed in the finest embroidered silks? By this time, resigned to her fate, the once Christian Circassian girl would have been converted to Islam, given a fitting Muslim name and groomed for the harem with refined court manners, never again to reconnect with her family. Such romanticism for the exotic worlds of Asia and the Near East fired the imaginations of 19th-century French painters. But this is an exquisite portrait, not the typical Orientalist genre work. It is intimate. Luscious in pale coral and turmeric tones, with a seraglio’s alluring detail, and set in a hand carved and gilded period frame. Like its subject, the artist remains a mystery. There is only an intriguing symbol, a large “C” on the bottom left side of the painting. Acquired in Europe 30 years ago, this work was formerly owned by an appreciative owner who maintains homes in Paris, Utah, and Lafayette, California. [Oil on canvas. Canvas dimensions: H. 27 in x W. 39.5". Framed dimensions: H. 36.5 in x W 50.25 in. x 6 in.]
  • Creation Year:
    19th Century [1880-1900]
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 36.5 in (92.71 cm)Width: 50.25 in (127.64 cm)Depth: 6 in (15.24 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    Fine vintage condition with no imperfections. Please review all photos.
  • Gallery Location:
    San Francisco, CA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1378216074332

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