The Light of the Harem
1815
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1815
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This sketch shows a woman sitting with one leg bent, wearing a loose white dress and a long veil. Her hair is partly covered by a decorated headpiece, and she holds a small bouquet. The background is blurry, with a hint of dark shapes and a faint greenish curtain. The painting uses soft, watery strokes that leave some areas ghostly. The artist focused on light and shadow to shape her face and clothing. Next, look up Romanticism to see how this style played with emotion and imagination.
