Mathilde est prisonnière / Mathilde wordt gevangen 1833 - 1856

Glenisson and Van Genechten created this image titled ‘Mathilde est prisonnière / Mathilde wordt gevangen’ using unknown medium at an unknown date. It reflects the orientalist themes in the 19th century which often romanticized or exoticized non-Western cultures, frequently through the lens of power and conquest. The image shows a narrative involving Mathilde and Malek-Adhel, likely inspired by historical or literary accounts of encounters between Europeans and figures from the Middle East. Mathilde, depicted as a prisoner, is confronted by Malek-Adhel, with religious and cultural tensions underscored by the presence of a cleric. This piece invites us to consider the representation of women in colonial narratives, as Mathilde's captivity symbolizes the vulnerability and subjugation often associated with the ‘other’. The visual contrast in clothing and setting highlights the cultural divide and power dynamics at play. How does the portrayal of Mathilde, and Malek-Adhel, reinforce or challenge the colonial narratives? This image offers a glimpse into how cultural encounters were imagined and portrayed, reflecting the complex interplay of desire, fear, and dominance during the period of orientalism.