Here is another odalisque (also known as
Schleier Tanzerin (Veil Dancer), this time by the American painter Frederick Vezin (1859-1933). Vezin was born in
that most artistic of American cities, Philadelphia, where Triple P spent an
enjoyable week a few years ago.
He studied at the Düsseldorf Art Academy in Germany and died
there in 1933. The Düsseldorf School influenced the American Hudson River
school and, as a result, many other American painters went to study there. Vezin's family were originally French Huguenots and some of
them fled France for Germany, settling in Hanover. Another branch of the family, who had stayed
in France, moved from Bordeaux to Philadelphia in 1813. The family connections with Germany made it
easy for Vezin, when he wanted to study in that country and he joined the
Düsseldorfer Kunstakademie in 1876.
Apart from a short stay in Münich, he lived in Düsseldorf until his death. His uncle lived in London and Vezin travelled
there and did a painting of Henley Regatta.
Most famous for his landscapes, portraits and interiors, this odalisque painting is an unusual but not unique subject for him. he also produced this reclining odalisque, although the original is damaged.
Recumbent nude (c.1905)
This girl is not specifically labeled as an odalisque but she is lying on an eastern rug, which gives the painting orientalist qualities.
An odalisque (the French form of the Turkish odalik) was a
maid to the concubines and wives of the Ottoman sultan. If she was particularly attractive she might
be trained to sing or dance and thus earn the chance to become a
concubine. Perhaps this young lady is
doing an audition!
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