Odalisque 1875

Vasily Polenov's 1875 painting "Odalisque" depicts a woman, adorned in colorful, ornate garments, resting in a luxurious setting. The woman's relaxed posture and contemplative gaze, combined with the presence of a hookah, a traditional water pipe, create a sense of leisure and exoticism. This work is representative of Polenov's interest in Eastern cultures and his skill in capturing the beauty of everyday life in a painterly style. "Odalisque" exemplifies the Orientalist genre popular in the 19th century, characterized by its romanticized depictions of Eastern cultures.