Alegretto 

Michael C. Hayes created this painting, titled Alegretto, sometime in the 20th century. In it, a woman is depicted in an expressive, sensual dance. The painting exists within a history of orientalism, where Western artists have often depicted “the East” through a lens of romantic fantasy and exoticism. Here, the woman's identity is shaped by the artist’s imagination, drawing from stereotypes of feminine allure and cultural otherness. Her flowing red garb and ornate jewelry, set against a backdrop of rose petals, evokes a sense of mystique. Does the image celebrate female empowerment and freedom of expression, or does it reinforce stereotypical representations? I invite you to reflect on the emotional impact of this painting. Consider how it speaks to the historical and ongoing dialogue about cultural representation, identity, and artistic freedom.