The Sultan's favourite

With its rich decors and ornate details, harem scenes provided perhaps the most evocative subject matter for the orientalist painters as they represent the apogee of exotic fantasy. Richter gained considerable success as a painter in Nineteenth Century France, becoming renowned for his richly evocative orientalist paintings such as the present The Sultan's favourite. Adherent to the subject matter, the painting betrays a fascinating theatricality and an exquisite handling of the textures and colours of the Orient.