Women of Algiers

The Women of Algiers–one of my favorite paintings–caused a sensation when it was displayed at the Paris Salon on 1834. Not only was it noteworthy at the time for its sexual connotations, but also for the portrayal of opium, which at the time was only included in paintings of prostitutes. This painting was also notable because it was generally difficult to paint Muslim women, who were covered head to toe. Despite the difficulty, Delacroix managed to secretly sketch some during his travels to Morocco in 1832. The painting was critically acclaimed when it was presented to the Salon and King Louis Philippe bought the painting, presenting it to the Museum of Luxembourg. Seven years after Delacroix’s death, it was moved the Louvre, where it is displayed among Delacroix’s other masterful paintings.