Scherazade 2014

Luis Álvarez Roure painted this work, "Scherazade," in oil, though the exact date remains unconfirmed. The image evokes the story-telling of Scheherazade, the heroine of "One Thousand and One Nights," where her narratives delay her execution by a vengeful king. The work resonates with orientalist tropes popular in European painting. Here, the artist frames Scheherazade as a figure of both mystery and familiarity. The red headscarf and jeweled necklace are cultural signifiers, placing her in a romanticized 'Eastern' setting. Yet, her direct gaze and relaxed posture suggest a self-possessed individual, challenging the stereotype of the submissive woman. As the artwork was probably painted in the 21st century, we can ask whether Álvarez Roure seeks to engage critically with the orientalist tradition, or perhaps to question contemporary views on gender, power and the gaze. To fully appreciate its layered meanings, we need to examine not only its visual elements but also the broader social and art historical contexts that shaped its creation and reception.