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The painting "View of El-Faiyum" by French artist Jean-Léon Gérôme is a vivid example of Orientalist painting — depictions of Eastern locales. In his work, the artist often explored themes of history, mythology, and the East, particularly because he loved visiting these places and capturing their beauty. And he did so quite successfully, as Gérôme was one of the wealthiest and most accomplished French painters of the second half of the 19th century.
El-Faiyum is the oldest city in Egypt, and it is portrayed accordingly — grand, detailed, and full of life. However, this is not a drawing from life; the artist painted it in his studio, relying on memory. To foreigners, Egypt appeared just like this: somewhat mystical, enigmatic, and bustling. This impression is conveyed not only through the many figures present but also through the dominant warm tones, which immerse us in a scorching day within an ancient, distant, almost timeless city.