Exotic Harem Paintings.

An essay is presented on the works of the Orientalist painters Henriette Browne and Elisabeth Jerichau-Baumann. It uses the concept of the exotic as a critical paradigm for examining the representational tension in these artists' methods and works. Particular focus is given to conflict, volatility, and instability in Orientalist art. Other topics include social theorist Edward Said's concept of Orientalism and the critical reception of Browne and Jerichau-Baumann's paintings.