Young woman in a white turban 

Frederick Arthur Bridgman painted this portrait of a ‘Young Woman in a White Turban’ during his Orientalist phase. This artistic movement exoticized the Middle East and North Africa. During the 19th century, the Western gaze often depicted women from these regions in stereotypical ways, emphasizing harems and odalisques. The model's attire and the title of this painting evoke this fascination, placing her within a generalized 'Orient'. Bridgman, however, had a complex approach. He traveled extensively, seeking authenticity, collecting artifacts, and depicting everyday life. But how much does this painting reflect genuine cultural exchange versus reinforcing colonial fantasies? It is important to look at how these images create meaning and perpetuate power dynamics, not just within art, but as an illustration of social relations between the West and the East. Historians can research the artist’s diaries, colonial-era travel writing, and museum archives to help us better understand the complexities of Orientalism and its impact on both art and society.