Use of Domestic Subject Matter Reflecting European Attitudes Toward Oriental Cultures
The most successful work describing Orientalism is “Bathsheba” by Jean-Leon Gerome, created in 1899. Unlike other works of art, Jean-Leon Gerome used a commonplace domestic subject that reflects European attitudes toward Oriental cultures. Firstly, the ordinariness can be appreciated by how the maid is depicted: she is washing Bathsheba’s laundry and looking at her (Bathsheba, 2012). A giant vat of water stands nearby; her clothes fully reflect the Middle East in the European’s view – dark long robes, covered head, and body.
The Portrayal of Honored Women in the East
Secondly, the plot is connected with the honored women in the East. They love refinement and sublimity, nudity does not embarrass them, and they are often meticulous about expensive things. Among the expensive things belonging to Bathsheba, one can observe a luxurious dress with bright yellow-green hues, an expensive large rug, and neatly braided hair (Bathsheba, 2012). This correspondence to reality and the adoration of nudity endows the painting with the main characteristics of Orientalism.
Historical Accuracy and Respect for Orientalist Culture’s Aspects
Another essential feature is the correspondence to historical detail and proper respect for Orientalist culture’s historical and religious aspects. While other paintings do not delineate Bathsheba’s position, only her nude figure, Jean-Leon Gerome, depicts her on the roof of her house (Bathsheba, 2012). The painting refers to the biblical character Uriah the Hittite, a soldier in David’s army. David watched over his wife, Bathsheba, in his absence, bathing naked in seclusion. The rooftops of Jerusalem depicted in the background also symbolize belonging to the religious testimonies of Eastern cultures (Bathsheba, 2012).
Biblical Values and Their Influence on the Tone
The presence of biblical value endows the work with a respectful tone towards the Jewish perception of God and human actions. Jean-Leon Gerome probably used this fragment to emphasize the clash of culture and religion. Accordingly, the high degree of plausibility of the historical reality and the preservation of religious meaning makes the painting a good candidate for explanation by the principle of Orientalism.
Reference
Bathsheba by Jean-Leon Gerome, 1899. (2012). Wiki Art. Web.