Shop art print and framed art The Harem Guard by Attilio Simonetti

Attilio Simonetti's The Guardian of the Harem: a fascinating and mysterious work

Attilio Simonetti (1888-1927) was a Rome-born Italian painter whose works were influenced by Orientalism, an artistic movement popular in 19th-century Europe that drew inspiration from the countries between East and West. His attraction to exotic and erotic subjects is clearly evident in some of his works, including "The Guardian of the Harem".

Simonetti produced this work at the beginning of the twentieth century, at a time when interest in oriental exoticism and its sensual depictions was growing in European art.The harem scene, which highlights the beauty of Oriental women and their isolation, was particularly popular with artists of the time.Nevertheless, little information has been preserved about the conception and distribution of this work, which adds a certain mystery around this creation by Attilio Simonetti.

Visual description of the work

"The Guardian of the Harem" is an oil painting on canvas, measuring approximately 35 by 45 centimetres.It depicts an intimate, peaceful scene in a harem: in the foreground is the guard, standing on a colourful carpet with his back to the richly decorated door.This figure is intriguing because of his calm, resolute attitude, contrasting with the sensual, intimate setting he is protecting. The presence of an armed man at the gates of an enclosed space where courted women live is bound to pique the viewer's curiosity.

The composition of the work is harmoniously balanced and punctuated by the architectural elements of a dreamy orient: deep blue ceramic tile decoration, wood marquetry and other codes of religious and secular Islamic architecture.

Highly refined in execution, this painting captivates with its aesthetic beauty as well as its evocative power.

Role in the artistic career of Attilio Simonetti

A work emblematic of the Orientalist style

"The Guardian of the Harem" perfectly illustrates Simonetti's interest in the oriental and erotic subjects that characterise some of his work.Through this painting, Attilio Simonetti testifies to his adherence to an artistic movement in vogue at the turn of the twentieth century: Orientalism. This creation clearly breaks away from his Italian academic heritage and is part of an increasingly pronounced trend for exoticism, sensuality and decorative opulence on canvas.

A distinctive contribution to the work of Attilio Simonetti

Beyond its exploration of the oriental theme, "The Guardian of the Harem" also bears witness to the evolution of Simonetti's pictorial practice. Here, the artist pays particular attention to the depiction of detail and the accuracy of colour, denoting an undeniable technical mastery. This attention to precision in the execution of even the smallest elements of this composition underlines Attilio Simonetti's remarkable talent and offers the viewer a visual experience rich in detail.

This artwork is a drawing from the modern period. It belongs to the orientalism style.

« The Harem Guard » is kept at Private Collection.