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The Order of the Grand Vizier

Jean-Joseph-Benjamin Constant

European Art

Like other Orientalist painters, Jean-Joseph-Benjamin Constant blended European misconceptions and fantasies of North Africa and the Middle East with intricate renderings of props he gathered on a trip to Spain and Morocco. The dramatic subject, lavish interior, and sparkling colors of this painting were designed to mirror European consumers’ exoticizing fantasies of the region. Several decorative elements may be based on objects in Constant’s studio. The golden curtain, ewer, stool, and architectural backdrop are similar to props photographed there in 1890.
MEDIUM Oil on canvas
  • Place Made: Europe
  • DATES n.d.
    DIMENSIONS 21 11/16 x 16 15/16 in. (55.1 x 43.0 cm) Frame: 34 x 29 x 5 in.  (show scale)
    SIGNATURE Signed bottom left: "Benj. Constant"
    COLLECTIONS European Art
    ACCESSION NUMBER 03.312
    CREDIT LINE Bequest of Henry W. Maxwell
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Jean-Joseph-Benjamin Constant (French, 1845-1902). The Order of the Grand Vizier, n.d. Oil on canvas, 21 11/16 x 16 15/16 in. (55.1 x 43.0 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Bequest of Henry W. Maxwell, 03.312 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 03.312_PS9.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 03.312_PS9.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2014
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