A Turkish Woman c. 1720 - 1737

Jean Baptiste Vanmour, who was a French-Flemish painter, created this portrait titled, *A Turkish Woman*. In the 18th century, European artists often depicted the ‘Orient’ as a site of mystery and exoticism. This painting, exemplifies the European fascination with the ‘Orient’ and its representation of Turkish women. This portrayal merges cultural curiosity with the prevailing social norms of the time. The woman’s dress and adornments hint at a certain social status, yet she remains an object of the Western gaze. The painting plays with the themes of identity and representation, especially how one’s identity can be molded by external perspectives. It invites us to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in cross-cultural representation, and how these dynamics affect our understanding and perception.