120. Odalisque on Divan [cca. 1935]

Bewitched by the mystery of the Orient and seduced by the exotic abundance of the landscapes, Iosif Iser would frequently travel to Constanța, Mangalia or Turtucaia, but also to Balchik or the shores of the Bosphorus. The artist would dedicate a long period of time to studying the traditions and customs of the Turkish minority on the shores of the Black Sea. From this same pictorial theme, a series of odalisques would later emerge that would remain imprinted in the collective memory of his audience. Iser uses the dull color of Dobrogea and its arid landscape, his characters are slightly geometrized, and his palette gradually brightens, often carrying shades of red, green, yellow or orange. Placed on the sofa, in the armchair, on the carpet or depicted standing, the odalisque-caryatids of his creation impress us with each appearance. The oriental costume, comprising vests, veils, but especially the trousers that allow them to move freely and to have a more relaxed attitude, represents the distinctive element of his works. The painter will therefore focus not only on the psychology of the character, but also on gestures or external language, or on details such as the clothing of his muses. In the majority of the works dedicated to this thematic cycle, shades of red or orange dominate, or the decor is enriched by colorful fabrics. The statuary posture of the model and partially revealed body will converge towards a contrast between open flesh and the strident color of the garments. Representing in its creative economy through creative force and unmistakable chromatics, this work invites the viewer to step into the unusual atmosphere of the Orient.

References

MIHALACHE, Marin, "Iser", Meridiane Publishing House, Bucharest, 1982. Catalog of the exhibition "Iser's travels", Alina Petrescu, National Museum of Art of Romania Publishing House, Bucharest, 2021.

Dimensions

width 60 cm, height 49 cm

Description

guașă vernisată pe hârtie lipită pe pânză, signed bottom right, in black, "ISER"

Dating

cca. 1935

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