Leaving the Mosque 

Jean-Léon Gérôme, a French artist, painted ‘Leaving the Mosque’ at a time when Europe was deeply engaged with, and also imposing itself on, the Middle East. In this painting, Gérôme offers what he presents as an intimate glimpse into Islamic culture, depicting a procession of men leaving a mosque, rendered in precise detail. But it’s crucial to consider the power dynamics at play. Gérôme, a Western artist, is positioning himself as an observer, framing a culture through his own lens. The image raises complex questions about representation, particularly the orientalist gaze. How does Gérôme's perspective, shaped by his own cultural background, influence the way he portrays this scene? Whose voices are amplified, and whose are silenced? As viewers, how do we navigate the space between appreciating the artwork's technical skill and critically examining its underlying assumptions about identity, religion, and power? This painting offers a window into a specific time and place, but it also prompts us to consider the broader implications of cultural exchange and representation.