Odalisque 

Konstantin Makovsky painted this alluring ‘Odalisque’ sometime in the late 19th century. The image draws on a long tradition of orientalist painting in Europe. It depicts an imagined version of the East and is steeped in fantasy rather than reality. The visual codes, such as the exotic clothing and suggestive pose, construct a narrative of sensuality. Makovsky was a popular and successful artist in Russia, catering to the tastes of the upper classes. His work reflects the conservative social norms of the time. While Russia was undergoing significant social and political changes in the late 19th century, art institutions often reinforced traditional values. To fully understand this painting, we need to consider the complex interplay of cultural fascination, political power, and the art market, something that art historians can clarify by drawing on a variety of research resources.