La Belle Orientale

In the 1830s, perhaps influenced by Delacroix, Colin painted some Orientalist subjects. The present picture shows an intimate, but reserved, Orientalist scene. The veiled and bejewelled woman leans covered, coyly away from her intrigued admirer; she glances away from him, clearly in control of the situation. Luxurious silks and furs swathe a sofa on which the couple sit, pillows at their feet. Rich rugs and furs decorate the floor.