Lady in Turkish dress, reading
Pastel
Baroque Rococo
1742
17.0 x 22.0 cm
National Gallery of Victoria
Hand Made Oil Reproduction
Hand-painted oil on canvas in your size and frame, made to order by our artists. ( Buy Print
Buy Image)
P118B $10
P118H $10
P118W $10
P438Z $10
P508JH $12
P508YH $12
P805H $10
P805Z $10
P919BZ $10
P919G $10
P919XJ $10
P959ZH $10
P968JZ $12
W106C $8
W218G $10
W218JH $8
W218Y $10
W307PJ $10
W316G $10
W316PJ $8
W316Y $10
W398PJ $8
W4111J $10
W500HY $15
W500JH $15
W692G $12
W849H $8
W940BG $15
W953PJ $8
Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.
You may enter your own dimensions to fit a specific frame or space. If your selected size does not match the original image's proportions, we will either crop the artwork or extend the painting with additional hand-painted elements. A digital mockup will be sent for your approval before production begins.
Please note that the on-screen preview does not reflect the actual cropping or extension. Only the mockup will accurately show the final composition.
While custom sizes are available, we recommend selecting a dimension from the predefined list to preserve the original proportions.
After order, ArtsDot.com team will email client for instructions and provide a mockup preview
Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (23 August). No compromise on quality.
Free Worldwide Express Shipping
High-Quality Linen Canvas
Full Shipping Insurance
Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
True Color Matching Guarantee
60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
100% Money-Back Guarantee
Bulk Discount Offer
Lady in Turkish dress, reading
Reproduction Medium
Reproduction Size
-
Total Price
$ 263
Artwork Description
The Allure of the Exotic East: A Moment Captured in Turkish Splendor
This exquisite depiction transports the viewer into a world steeped in imagined luxury and cultural fascination—a scene plucked from the heart of Turquerie. The subject, portrayed with an air of serene contemplation, is captured in a moment of private leisure, seated upon plush cushions within what appears to be a richly appointed domestic space. Her posture, with legs gracefully crossed, suggests both relaxation and studied elegance. She is absorbed in the act of reading, the book serving as a focal point that anchors the quiet narrative of her afternoon. The natural light streaming through an unseen window bathes the scene in a soft, ethereal glow, illuminating not just the woman, but the very atmosphere of peaceful repose.
A Glimpse into 18th-Century Orientalism
To understand this painting is to understand a cultural moment. Dating from 1742, it emerges from the burgeoning European fascination with the Ottoman Empire following its gradual opening to Western visitors. The vogue for ‘Turquerie’ was more than mere fashion; it was an intellectual and aesthetic obsession fueled by travel accounts and exotic narratives. Jean-Étienne Liotard, the masterful hand behind this work, was perfectly positioned at the nexus of these converging cultures. Having immersed himself in Constantinople, his art became a visual diary of this encounter—a delicate bridge between European portraiture and the perceived splendor of the East. The inclusion of details like the visible clock on the wall or the arrangement of multiple couches speaks to an environment curated for both comfort and display.
Mastery of Pastel and Compositional Grace
While the original medium may have been pastel, the effect achieved is one of breathtaking delicacy. Liotard’s technique allowed him to achieve an almost luminous quality, giving skin tones a porcelain softness while rendering textiles with palpable richness. The composition itself is masterfully balanced; the central figure commands attention, yet the surrounding elements—the secondary couch, the vase, the architectural details—are integrated seamlessly. This careful arrangement prevents the scene from feeling staged, instead lending it an air of lived-in intimacy. It is a study in controlled elegance, where every object seems to contribute to the overall narrative of quiet domestic bliss.
Symbolism of Leisure and Knowledge
The act of reading itself carries profound symbolism here. In an era defined by grand political movements and burgeoning global trade, this image anchors us in the universal human pursuit: knowledge and contemplation. The woman is not merely dressed in Turkish regalia; she embodies a sophisticated engagement with culture—a leisure time afforded to those who could partake in such cosmopolitan pleasures. For the modern collector or designer, this piece offers more than just decoration; it suggests an appreciation for refined taste, global history, and the quiet luxury of intellectual pursuits.
Related Artworks
Artist Biography
early life and training
jean-étienne liotard, a renowned genevan painter, art connoisseur, and dealer, was born on december 22, 1702, in geneva, switzerland. his parents, french protestants, had fled to geneva after 1685. liotard's artistic journey began under the guidance of professors daniel gardelle and petitot, whose enamels and miniatures he skillfully replicated.artistic career
liotard's travels took him to various european capitals, including paris, rome, istanbul, and vienna, where his portraits were highly sought after. in 1725, he studied under jean-baptiste massé and françois lemoyne in paris. his time in constantinople (1738-1742) significantly influenced his work, as evident in his numerous pastel depictions of turkish domestic scenes.notable works and style
liotard's mastery of pastel is showcased in works like:- dutch girl at breakfast (ca. 1756, oil on canvas, rijksmuseum), demonstrating his versatility.
- la liseuse, the chocolate girl, and la belle lyonnaise at the dresden gallery, exemplifying his delicate pastel drawings.
- maria frederike van reede-athlone at seven (j. paul getty museum), a testament to his naturalistic portraiture.
legacy and later life
liotard's later years were marked by the publication of his treatise, traité des principes et des règles de la peinture (1781). he continued to paint still lifes and landscapes until his passing on june 12, 1789, in geneva. key links:- jean-étienne liotard | ArtsDot.com (artist page)
- jean-étienne liotard | wikipedia
- a woman in turkish dress | ArtsDot.com (painting)
museums and collections:
- the museum private collection (geneva, switzerland), featuring an impressive array of liotard's works.
- musée d'art et d'histoire (geneva, switzerland), housing a significant collection of liotard's pastels and drawings.
jean-étienne liotard
1702 - 1789 , Switzerland
Quick Facts
- Artistic Movement Or Style: Pastoralism
- Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist:
- Jean Baptiste Massé
- François Lemoyne
- Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
- Daniel Gardelle
- Petitot
- Date Of Birth: December 22, 1702
- Date Of Death: June 12, 1789
- Full Name: Jean-Étienne Liotard
- Nationality: Swiss
- Notable Artworks:
- Dutch Girl at Breakfast
- La Liseuse, The Chocolate Girl
- Maria Frederike van Reede-Athlone at Seven
- Place Of Birth: Geneva, Switzerland

Glass option is only available in size under 110 CM
