Jean-Joseph Benjamin-Constant

The French painter Jean-Joseph Benjamin-Constant (1845–1902), an alumnus of the École des Beaux-Arts (School of Fine Arts) in Toulouse, was famous for his romantic paintings of oriental subjects and events.

He is precise in his rendering of Middle Eastern/North African patterns and his depictions of both royal and civilian lives – of palaces, harems, marketplaces, homes – are vivid and detailed.

In the 19th-century, art of this sort was highly in demand among European audiences eager to get a glimpse of exotic conquered populations. Although still admired for their technical virtues, such Western portrayals of the East are now, by many, deemed somewhat patronising in effect and aim.

Read more about Benjamin-Constant on The Globe and Mail.

Check out some of his works:

 

The Odalisque, Wikimedia Commons [An odalisque is a female slave of concubine in a harem.]
The Odalisque, Wikimedia Commons [An odalisque is a female slave or concubine in a harem.]

 

An Odalisque in a Harem, Wikimedia Commons
An Odalisque in a Harem, Wikimedia Commons

 

Favourite of the Emir, Wikimedia Commons

 

The Arabian Nights, Wikimedia Commons

 

Evening on the Terrace (Morocco), Wikimedia Commons
Evening on the Terrace (Morocco), Wikimedia Commons

 

Palace Guard with Two Leopards, Wikimedia Commons

 

La Danse du foulard, Wikimedia Commons
La Danse du foulard, Wikimedia Commons

 

The Entry of Mahomet II into Constantinople, Wikimedia Commons
The Entry of Mahomet II into Constantinople, Wikimedia Commons

 

In the Sultan's Palace, Wikimedia Commons
In the Sultan’s Palace, Wikimedia Commons

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Further Reading:

The Orientalists: Painter-Travellers (2009) by Lynne Thornton

Benjamin-Constant: Marvels and Mirages of Orientalism (2015) by Nathalie Bondil

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Published by Tulika Bahadur

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India-born, London-educated, business base in Sydney, global network. Always happy to travel. Say hello if you are a reader! Send all commercial enquiries regarding introduction to the art world, content creation, curatorship, educational/speaking engagements, art/artist/cultural involvement for your business/organisation, art buying/commissioning, building a collection, brand collaborations with artists, entrepreneurship in art and culture, using art and beauty for well-being, and cultural experiences, events and tours to tulika@onartandaesthetics.com (DON'T FORGET TO CC: tulikabahadur@gmail.com). Please introduce yourself before forwarding press releases and newsletters. I will especially remember you! IG: @tulikabahadur (personal) & @connoisseurscircle (social club).

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