The Arab Prince

A homage to Ernst's ability in depicting imperial interiors of sybaritic opulence, The Arab Prince gives a perfect example of the artist's predilection for small, tight formats, where he can play subtly with stylistic antithesis, whilst musing on harmonies of chromatic nuances. The freer rendition of the background contrasts sharply with the neat brushwork of the shining burgundy and mauve silks of the aristocratic man's cloak.