In the 19th century, a new world opened up to Western artists: 'the Orient'. French painters became fascinated by these regions previously unknown to them. Landscapes, shades of light and colour, flora and fauna – everything seemed to them fantastical in the East. The differences of these new and far-off places stimulated their imaginations, with Orientalism being the result: an art movement wherein Western artists depict Eastern countries in beautiful, but romanticised, simplistic, and ultimately stereotypical ways.
French Orientalists such as Eugène Delacroix, Jean-Léon Gérôme and Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres create their paintings in their studios, using Parisian models. They take you on an exciting journey through their Orient: an imaginative, romantic world.
The travel diaries of Eugène Delacroix are the beginning of your voyage to the East. Expect fantasy, mysterious characters, spectacular architecture, desire and mysticism.
Discover narrow streets, lively souks and beautiful courtyards. Geometric patterns come to life and sword dancers, belly dancers and snake charmers fill the scene. Exciting music accompanies the spinning turquoise Iznik pottery.
Accompany us on a grueling crossing of an unforgiving desert and meet wild animals, whose hunting is an eye-catching subject for these Orientalist painters. On the back of a camel, you traverse a scalding landscape. Fortunately, a green oasis is in sight on the horizon. Fabrique des Lumières turns into a Sahara tent where, sheltered from the scorching sun, you can have a good rest. The mirage comes to an end and the visitor wakes up in the heart of a 19th century Parisian salon – was it just a dream after all?
Duration: about 15 minutes
Production: Culturespaces Studio®, Artistic Direction: Virginie Martin, Graphic & Animation Design: Cutback, Music Supervision & Mix: Start-Rec