to make their compositions convincing, these artists, who sometimes didn't even travel outside europe, stuffed them full of supposedly authentic details. yet often, they ended up painting these opulent fantasies that said and others later criticised for a colonialist mindset. it almost feels unfair to single out one work in particular to exemplify orientalism. but this is quite an interesting example. it dates from the late 19th century. it's by a british artist, and it's very gorgeous. it has this wonderful golden late—day light, which suffuses the whole scene. and in the foreground, you have this boat where a well—to—do young lady is being rowed along the golden horn. and i think to me, why it feels quite orientalist is that the people