ODALISQUES Meaning and
Definition
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Odalisques refer to female slaves or concubines in the harem of a sultan or other wealthy person in the Ottoman Empire. The term originated from the Turkish word "odalık," which means "chambermaid" or "female servant."
In the context of Ottoman harems, odalisques held a lower status compared to wives or mothers of the sultan. They were often young girls or women who were gifted or bought from various backgrounds, including different ethnicities and social classes. Odalisques were trained in various skills such as music, dance, and art to entertain and please their owners.
The odalisques were sought after for their physical beauty, often depicted with sensual and seductive characteristics in artwork and literature. Their role was primarily to satisfy the desires and provide companionship to the owner. Some odalisques were able to gain favor and rise in status within the harem, but many lived in a subservient position and endured limited freedom and opportunity for personal growth.
In Western art, the term "odalisque" became popular during the 19th century. Painters such as Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres and Jean-Baptiste-Édouard Detaille depicted odalisques in Orientalist works, often emphasizing their erotic allure and exoticism. These portrayals further reinforced the Western perception of the Eastern harem as a place of sensuality and eroticism.
Today, the term "odalisque" is mainly used in historical and artistic contexts, referring to the representation of such figures, often characterized by their alluring beauty and association with the exotic and mysterious world of the Ottoman Empire.
Common Misspellings for ODALISQUES
Etymology of ODALISQUES
The word "odalisques" originates from the Turkish term "odalık", which means "chambermaid" or "female servant". The term "odalisque" was then borrowed into the French language in the 19th century through the Orientalist art movement, which romanticized depictions of the Middle East and North Africa. In this context, an "odalisque" was typically depicted as a concubine or harem woman. The word has been used primarily in the context of art history to refer to figures depicted in such paintings.
Similar spelling word for ODALISQUES
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