Painting of a Dancer
Unknown Artist
early 19th century
Medium
Oil and gold on canvas
Dimensions
H. 41 5/16 in. (105 cm) W. 27 7/8 in. (70.8 cm)
Classification
Paintings
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Friends of the Department of Islamic Art Fund, 1971
Accession Number
1971.22
Tags
Art Historical Context
This enchanting *Painting of a Dancer*, created by an unknown artist in the 19th century, the grace and allure of a female performer in the vibrant tradition of Islamic art. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art Department of Islamic Art, oil and gold on canvas work measures an impressive 41 5/16 by 27 7/8 inches, its luxurious dimensions suited for a prominent display in a cultured home or palace. The use of oil paint combined with gold leaf—a rare and opulent technique—highlights the artwork's cultural prestige, evoking the splendor of courtly entertainments in regions like the Ottoman E...