The Snake Charmer- Jean-Leon Gerome

Gerome's The Snake Charmer is a beautiful example of orientalism. Displaying a different aspect of life to Europeans, it conveys a unique and foreign culture. It mixes a variety of cultures and has tremendous detail; almost photographic like. It uses a beautiful shade of blue with a well developed composition.

The moment I saw this piece, it captivated me. The blue, arabesque covered wall is absolutely beautiful and the subject of the boy with the snake is very intriguing. The concept of a nude boy with the snake and men looking at him seems fairly erotic to me however, the scene itself seems so calm and tranquil. It's a beautiful  and foreign piece, which I find fascinating.

I really love arabesque and the clarity and detail of the piece in general simply leaves me in awe.