Artwork
Study of a Moor in Blue
Study of a Moor in Blue is an oil painting by the Orientalist artist Edwin Lord Weeks. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1890, this oil on canvas by American artist Edwin Lord Weeks portrays a solitary figure in a contemplative pose. The work belongs to the late‑19th‑century Orientalist tradition and is part of the permanent collection of the Brooklyn Museum.
Subject & Meaning
The composition shows a man turned away, rendered in profile, his left arm bent as he clutches an unseen object against a wall. Dressed in a blue robe and a white turban marked with a red patch, his muted surroundings emphasize his introspective stance, suggesting a moment of private reflection.
Technique & Style
Weeks employs a restrained palette, allowing the vivid blue of the robe to dominate the scene while the background recedes in softer tones. The handling of paint suggests a layered glazing approach, building depth and subtle tonal variation that enhances the figure’s three‑dimensional presence.
History & Provenance
After its completion, the painting entered the market for works depicting exotic subjects, a popular genre among Western collectors of the era. It was eventually acquired by the Brooklyn Museum, where it remains on view as an example of the artist’s engagement with Orientalist themes.
Artist & collection
