The Reader 

"The Reader" is a painting by the German artist Rudolf Ernst (1854-1932), known for his Orientalist paintings. The painting depicts two women in a lavish setting, one reclining on cushions while the other reads from a book. The intricate details of the clothing, carpets, and tiled walls evoke the richness and exoticism of the Middle East, a popular subject for European artists of the late 19th century. Ernst's work is characterized by its meticulous attention to detail and realistic portrayal of figures and settings, capturing the fascination with Eastern cultures prevalent in the period.