Prayer in the Mosque, 1871
Jean-Léon Gérôme (French, 1824–1904)
Oil on canvas; 35 x 29 1/2 in. (88.9 x 74.9 cm)
In the fall of 1867, Gérôme traveled extensively in Egypt and the Near East. The mosque dates from the seventh century and is still standing in the eastern part of old Cairo.
What’s up with that naked dude standing in the middle of the mosque? I have seen pigeons, but not a naked guy in a loincloth.
In my view, this adds a surreal element to the painting.
