Harem 1803 - 1805

"Harem" (1803-1805) is an etching by Dutch artist Reinier Vinkeles (1741-1816). The print, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, depicts a scene of leisure in a harem, with multiple women in traditional dress, and a man seated at the center, surrounded by his wives. The scene is illuminated by a tall, ornate candle holder, creating a dramatic effect. The artist used line engraving to render the figures and details with great precision, contributing to the overall sense of realism and detail. Vinkeles' print reflects a prevalent interest in the "Orient" during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a time of expanding European colonial reach.