“Portrait of a North African,” created by Alexandre Cabanel in 1870, is an oil-on-canvas painting that adheres to the Orientalism art movement. This portrait, measuring 73 x 60 cm, currently resides in a private collection. Rendered in meticulous detail, it encapsulates a striking representation of a North African man.
The artwork portrays a man with a contemplative and intense expression. His head is wrapped in a traditional white headscarf, further complemented by an ensemble of layered white garments that highlight Cabanel’s masterful use of light and shadow. The background, a muted shade with hints of rose, accentuates the subject’s strong presence and dignified poise. The painter’s signature and the year of creation appear subtly in the lower portion of the painting, adding to its authentic historical character. The composition masterfully captures the essence and culture of the depicted individual, reflecting the Orientalist fascination with North African themes prevalent in the 19th century.
