Culture: Dreams from elsewhere

Marine Duvivier-Bouclet et Chloé Tournier

The fascinating and luxurious atmosphere of the Orient has come to Marseille. From May 18 to December 31, the Regards de Provence Museum is hosting an exhibition entitled “Marvels of Orientalism”. Eighty paintings from Italian, Spanish, Provençal and Algerian artists have been brought together for an exceptional show. Orientalism, a romantic and neo-classical style from the 19th and 20th centuries, features scenes from the Middle East in warm and colourful tones. These works come from the Museum’s collection, as well as private collections and other museums. Paintings and sculptures on the first floor are focused on Egypt and Algeria, but every piece of art illustrates a particular artistic vision of the Orient.

But what is Orientalism and how did it start ? During the Napoleonic campaigns in Egypt, the artists that followed the troops brought a variety of paintings and writings back to Europe, putting Arab culture in the spotlight. The Tales of the Arabian Nights were widely read in literary society.These two phenomena paved the way for an infatuation with the Arab world in Europe. Middle Eastern culture became a source of inspiration for Western artists. Who would have thought a military expedition would convey such poetry? Technological inventions had a key role as well. In the 19th century, the development of transport, particularly steamships, allowed painters and writers to travel to Middle Eastern countries. Imagination did most of the work though: many of these artists never set eyes on what they painted. Exhibition curator Adeline Granereau points out that the painters “were inspired by the texts and travel writing of Flaubert, Hugo and Theophile Gauthier, which fed their imagination and their creativity”.

Orientalist scenes usually revolve around exoticism, the intimacy of harems, heroic warriors and cities draped in mysticism. These themes were then interpreted and idealised through the Western vision of that time. Painters used bright colours and light to transmit this mesmerizing atmosphere to their audiences. Luxurious costumes, epic battles, mysterious women and marvellous landscapes create a romantic vision of the Middle East. One visitor said that “beyond exotism, the paintings are the representation of a real but fantasized world”. He added that this art “expresses the pleasure of widening our worldview”.

The “Marvels of Orientalism” exhibition covers every facet of Orientalism and includes workshop activities about this period. A David Dellepiane exhibition is also being held on the first floor of the museum from October 7.