A Sleeping Odalisque
1835
oil
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1835
oil
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This painting shows a nude woman lying on her side on a red couch. Her left arm is bent behind her head, and her right arm rests on her stomach. The background is dark, with red curtains. The woman's body is relaxed, with her legs slightly bent. Her face is peaceful, with her eyes closed. The painting is done in oil, with smooth brushstrokes that give the subject a sense of softness. The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and volume in the painting. The contrast between light and dark adds to the overall mood of the piece. If you want to learn more about the artist's use of chiaroscuro, look up Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres.