118. Odalisque in Oriental Interior [1945]

Iosif Iser would transcribe Oriental tales into a series dedicated to odalisques, Tatars, traditional houses, minarets, or eastern streets. Throughout time, he was interested in depicting the lives of typologies that motivated his creative self - harlequins, ballerinas, singers, or odalisques. However, the Oriental theme represents one of the subjects that consecrated him in the history of Romanian art. Within this theme, he mainly focuses on deciphering the complex characters of his characters - Turks or odalisques, whom he differentiates through various features. The artist will particularly focus on female characters, which he will illustrate either alone or in pairs. Often, we find two muses, covered with vests and shalvar, wearing colorful turbans on their heads. Most often, Iser's protagonists pose charmingly, crossing their legs or sitting directly on the floor. We note the use of accessories or decorative objects; in the current work, we distinguish the fan and the musical instrument, both intended to detach the viewer from the static atmosphere and instill vitality in the opus. The chromatic synergy that the artist builds around the characters contributes to shaping the atmosphere and evoking an eastern-like space.

References

MIHALACHE, Marin, "Iser", Meridiane Publishing House, Bucharest, 1982. Exhibition catalog "Iser's Travels", Alina Petrescu, Publishing House of the National Museum of Art of Romania, Bucharest, 2021.

Dimensions

width 46 cm, height 55 cm

Description

ulei pe carton, signed and dated lower right, with black, "Iser, (19)45"

Dating

1945

PROVENANCE

Fred Segal collection.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For clarifications regarding the bidding procedure, hammer price costs, guarantee, payment, and collection terms for the winning lot, we recommend carefully reading/re-reading the Bidding Regulations.

For additional information regarding the lot and the auction, please contact the Art Consultants Department.