An elegant chieftain in his palace 

Rudolf Ernst created this painting of an elegant chieftain in his palace during a time when Orientalism was at its peak in European art. Ernst, like many of his contemporaries, never actually visited the Middle East, and instead relied on imagination and popular stereotypes to create this vision. In this scene, we see a Black chieftain rendered through the lens of European fantasy. The painting presents a narrative that reinforces Western power dynamics and the exoticization of non-European cultures. It’s important to consider the power structures at play, and to recognize the nuanced, often problematic, ways in which identity and culture are portrayed. Consider Ernst's personal background as you reflect on the painting. Ask yourself how the painting makes you feel. Does it romanticize the culture it depicts, and does it perpetuate stereotypes about the people who live there? In thinking about these questions, we engage with the historical context of the artwork and its continued relevance in today's world.