The artwork titled “Odalisque” was created by the artist Jenny Saville between 2012 and 2014. It falls under the Neo-Expressionism movement and is categorized as a figurative nude painting. The term “odalisque” historically refers to a female slave or concubine in a harem, particularly within the context of the Ottoman Empire, and has been a popular subject in Western art, often romanticized as an exotic and luxurious figure.
In Saville’s interpretation, the artwork presents a contemporary take, deviating from the traditional, idealized presentation of the odalisque. The painting features multiple figures intertwined, depicted in a style characterized by gestural brushwork and a raw, emotional intensity typical of Neo-Expressionism. The bodies are rendered in a realistic yet visceral manner, causing the viewer to confront the corporeality and fleshiness of the human form.
The palette is predominantly composed of flesh tones, whites, and grays, with some areas where the paint appears to drip down the canvas, adding a sense of movement and fluidity. The composition is dynamic, with bodies overlapping, creating a complex network of limbs and torsos that challenge the viewer’s perception of space and form. The brushstrokes are thick and tactile, suggesting the artist’s physical engagement with her medium.
Through this artwork, Saville explores themes of femininity, perception, and the representation of the human body, turning the traditional objectification of the odalisque on its head and inviting a deeper contemplation on the nature of visual representation and human vulnerability.
