Evening Prayer 

Rudolf Ernst painted 'Evening Prayer' sometime between the late 19th and early 20th century. Ernst was an Austrian Orientalist painter, who never actually visited the places he depicted in his works. Here, the artist presents us with a quiet scene of Muslim men in prayer. Ernst aimed to capture the essence of the "Orient," as seen through a European lens. Orientalist art often exoticized and romanticized Middle Eastern and North African cultures, sometimes reinforcing stereotypes. The painting invites us to consider questions of representation and authenticity. While Ernst's painting may not be a completely accurate depiction of Islamic life, it reflects the European fascination with the "Orient" during this period, revealing as much about the West as it does about the East. It's a reminder to critically examine the historical and cultural contexts that shape our perceptions.