French school of the early 20th century

French school of the early 20th century.
"Odalisque", 1912.
Watercolor on paper.
Signed and dated in the lower left corner.
Measurements: 27 x 41.5 cm; 43 x 58 cm (frame).

The painting of odalisques became one of the most emblematic themes of Orientalism. These Ottoman harem women were depicted as sensual, exotic and passive figures, constructed more from the European imagination than from reality. Although this theme was especially popular in French painting, it also influenced Italian artists, who incorporated these figures into their compositions as a symbol of the idealized Orient. Thus, the odalisque synthesizes many of the tensions of Orientalism: between reality and fantasy, observation and desire.