The Tryst 1840

Jean-Léon Gérôme painted "The Tryst" using oil on canvas. This was a traditional medium for artists during the 19th century, used to create a sense of realism and capture intricate details. Here, Gérôme creates a vision of the Orient as seen through Western eyes. Note the careful rendering of architectural details and the woman's elaborate garments. The smoothness of the paint surface disguises the labor involved in the production. But if you look closely, you’ll see that each detail is carefully delineated, from the mosaic tiles to the patterns in the textiles. This is not just a painting, but an accumulation of skilled labor. Not only by Gérôme himself, but the weavers, dyers, and tile makers whose work he depicts. In a way, Gérôme turns their efforts into a commodity. His painting could be seen as a symbol of the West's fascination with, and appropriation of, Eastern cultures. By focusing on the material culture represented, we can consider the social and economic context in which this image was created and consumed.