SEEING IS BELIEVING The Art and Influence of Jean-Leon Gerome

In the 19th century, the art of French painter Jean-Léon Gérôme (1824-1904) offered European audiences an apparently realistic, romantic and intimate view of life in the Middle East, now termed Orientalist style. In 1978 Gérôme’s scintillating painting of a young, unclothed Arab snake charmer appeared on the cover of Edward Said’s Orientalism. This reintroduced the artist’s name to the public. The paintings and drawings by Gérôme featured in this exquisite volume, in addition to examinations of his biography, influences and historical context, present Gérôme as a product of his time, a stylistic pioneer and something of a riddle waiting to be solved. He also headed up his own atelier or salon, where young artists, including many major names from America, came to learn under him. This collects his own artwork, quite a few photographs based on his work and his subjects, artists influenced by his style and more. Based on an exhibit sponsored by Lusail Museum, Arab Musen of Mart, Qatar Museums and Silvana Editoriale.