Arabs of Oran (1833 – 1847) by Eugene Delacroix

Arabs of Oran - Eugene Delacroix - 1833 - 1847

Artwork Information

TitleArabs of Oran
ArtistEugene Delacroix
Date1833 - 1847
Dimensions17.3 x 21.3 cm
Art MovementOrientalism

About Arabs of Oran

The artwork titled “Arabs of Oran” was created by the artist Eugene Delacroix sometime between 1833 and 1847, and it resides within the art movement known as Orientalism. As a genre painting, it measures 17.3 by 21.3 cm and features a scene likely intended to depict the everyday life of Arab individuals from the region surrounding Oran.

This particular artwork portrays two central figures, both appearing to be male and wearing traditional garments, which suggests the scene is set somewhere in the Middle East or North Africa. The person on the left is seated on the ground, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, and his gaze seems contemplative or weary. He is wrapped in a cloak that billows in the wind, evoking a sense of movement within the still scene. The person on the right is also seated, his head resting on his hand in a pose that conveys deep thought or fatigue; his attention is turned away from the viewer, suggesting introspection or an engagement with the surroundings out of the frame.

In the background, there appear to be three more figures on horseback, possibly traveling. They are smaller in scale, adding depth to the composition and context to what might be a transient moment captured by the artist—an ephemeral snapshot of life in this particular region. The landscape is lightly sketched, giving just enough detail to situate the scene without detracting from the central subjects.

Overall, the artwork communicates a sense of stillness and reflection amidst an undefined but evocative setting, typical of Delacroix’s engagement with Orientalist themes—a Western depiction of Eastern life during the period. The artwork is etched with a level of detail that invites the viewer to ponder the lives and circumstances of the figures represented therein.

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