Arab Standing in Prayer
1864
Jean-Léon Gérôme's sketch 'Arab Standing in Prayer' captures a moment of quiet devotion with his signature Academic precision. A barefoot man in flowing robes and a turban stands in profile, hands raised in the traditional Islamic gesture of supplication. The inscription 'à m. Walters' reveals a fascinating connection: this was a gift for the famous American collector Henry Walters, likely a preparatory study. It’s a raw, intimate glimpse into the artist's process, showing the careful observation of posture and costume that would later be transformed into his highly polished, exoticizing oil paintings.
- Technique
- Graphite on paper
- Material
- Paper
Location: Walters Art Museum, Baltimore
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