Cairo court 1873

Konstantin Egorovich Makovsky painted this scene of Cairo in oil on canvas. Makovsky has used traditional art materials here, but note how he deploys them. Look at the surface of the painting. It is heavily worked, with visible brushstrokes that give it a tactile quality. This approach allows Makovsky to capture the textures of the built environment and the clothing of the figures within the court. The artist has imbued the buildings with a sense of weight and age, but the figures populating the court do not have the same weighty treatment. Consider the social context of this painting. In the late 19th century, Orientalism was a popular genre, catering to European fantasies about the exotic "Orient." This painting reflects that trend, but also demonstrates Makovsky's skill in capturing the details of everyday life. He has clearly engaged with a tradition of realist painting and ethnographic documentation. By focusing on the materials and the making of this painting, we gain a deeper understanding of its historical and cultural significance.