Jewish Woman from Cairo 

Jean-François Portaels created this oil painting, titled Jewish Woman from Cairo, during the 19th century. You can tell that Portaels has carefully layered the paint to achieve a high level of finish. From the jewelry, to the texture of the fabrics, to the skin of his sitter, he seeks to create the illusion of depth. Look closely, and you will see that the richness of her garments and adornments speaks of a social context of trading wealth. The artist is undoubtedly fascinated by the material culture of Cairo. The pearls, filigree earrings, delicate headdress, and gilded robe, all demonstrate the skilled traditions of craftsmanship with precious materials. Consider that each of these luxurious items would have been produced by skilled artisans, likely working long hours in specialized trades. Thinking about this network of production gives us a new appreciation for this painting. It isn’t just a portrait, but a window onto a whole world of making.