Odalisque 1858

Henri-Pierre Picou painted this artwork, called ‘Odalisque,’ during a time when European artists frequently exoticized and eroticized non-Western cultures. At first glance, this painting presents a scene of leisure and sensuality, but it's important to consider the power dynamics at play. The central figure, the reclining odalisque, is depicted as a fair-skinned woman, while the other women surrounding her appear to be of different ethnic backgrounds, serving or attending to her. This reflects the colonial gaze and the construction of the ‘Orient’ as a space of fantasy and subjugation. The odalisque embodies both allure and subjugation, reflecting the complex intersections of gender, race, and class within the context of colonialism. Consider how Picou's artwork perpetuates or challenges these power structures, and what emotions arise as you consider the historical context in which it was created.