Portrait of an Arab

Portrait of an Arab

Edith Martineau, 1842-1909

1870

Watercolour on paper

Height: 44.5 cm (17.52 in.), Width: 34.3 cm (13.5 in.).

Private Collection

This was a time when many artists were strongly attracted to Middle Eastern subjects. Although Martineau did not travel to the Middle East herself, she evidently shared that fascination, and this is one of her most characterful works.

  • Orientalism in Victorian painting
  • Source: The Athenaeum, which kindly allows reuse of its artwork (derived from old catalogues etc.) "in any way, as long as you credit us." [Click on the image to enlarge it.]

    Text by Jacqueline Banerjee