Guarding the Palace 1888

"Guarding the Palace" (1888) by Ludwig Deutsch, is a captivating oil painting that depicts a black African soldier standing guard in a palace setting. The soldier is adorned in a traditional, opulent garb, including a yellow turban, a striped robe, and a decorative belt studded with weaponry. His serious expression, combined with the ornate palace interior, evokes an air of authority and mystery. This painting is representative of Deutsch's signature style, which often focused on Orientalist themes, portraying scenes from the Middle East and North Africa.