The Inside of a Mosque, the Dervishes Dancing (Aubry de La Mottraye's "Travels throughout Europe, Asia and into Part of Africa...," London, 1724, vol. I, pl. 16) 1723 - 1724

"The Inside of a Mosque, the Dervishes Dancing" is an engraving by William Hogarth, dating back to 1723-1724. This artwork captures the captivating scene of whirling dervishes, a mystical Islamic practice, within a mosque. Hogarth's meticulous detail and masterful use of line create a dynamic and evocative portrayal of the dervishes in motion, their long robes swirling as they spin. The surrounding figures, seemingly observing the dance, add to the narrative and emphasize the religious significance of the event. This piece, housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a glimpse into 18th-century European fascination with Eastern cultures.