Who painted Women playing at cross-dressing?

Women playing at cross-dressing was painted by Unknown in 1804.

Where can I see Women playing at cross-dressing?

Women playing at cross-dressing is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Women playing at cross-dressing?

Women playing at cross-dressing is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Women playing at cross-dressing

Unknown , 1804

Women playing at cross-dressing is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1804 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This painting depicts a scene of women in a palace setting, engaged in a playful, cross-dressing role-play.

Accession no.: 2013.290
Credit line: Gift in honor of Madeline Neves Clapp; Gift of Mrs. Henry White Cannon by exchange; Bequest of Louise T. Cooper; Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund; From the Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection

About this work

You see three women in a palace room, one wears a man’s feathered turban, another holds out a cup of wine, and attendants stand by with bottles and a fan.

You see three women in a palace room, one wears a man’s feathered turban, another holds out a cup of wine, and attendants stand by with bottles and a fan.

This painting was made in a workshop where different artists did different jobs. One drew the scene, another filled in colors, and someone else added the fine details. It shows women pretending to be men, which was a playful, private moment in a royal harem.

To see more like this, look up India, Golconda, Deccan, 17th century.

Overview

This painting depicts a scene of women in a palace setting, engaged in a playful, cross-dressing role-play.

Subject & Meaning

The women are reenacting a royal visit, with one wearing a man's feathered turban and another offering a cup of wine, suggesting a lighthearted, intimate moment within a harem.

Technique & Style

The artwork was created through a collaborative process in an Indian painting workshop, where different artists specialized in composition, coloration, and fine details.

Context

The painting is associated with the artistic traditions of Golconda, Deccan, India, during the 17th century.