The serpent charmer by Jean-Léon Gérôme

This iconic work represents one of the most famous masterpieces of French academic Orientalist painting of the nineteenth century. The great painter Gérôme Jean-Léon delivers here a fascinating composition that deeply marked art history with its ethnographic precision. The painting entitled “The serpent charmer” depicts a mystical street performance within an extraordinarily rich architectural setting. This masterly creation perfectly illustrates the Western fascination with Near Eastern rituals.

In a vast paved room whose back wall is entirely covered with blue tiles adorned with Arabic calligraphy, a performance takes place. In the foreground, a young boy, completely naked, is seen from behind with a huge grey snake wrapped around his body and shoulders. To his right, an old man sitting on a carpet plays the flute to charm the reptile. On the left, a diverse group of soldiers and spectators sitting on the floor watch the scene with captivated attention. The light coming from the right intensely illuminates the boy’s back and is reflected on the intricate blue tiles in the background.

The artist’s virtuosity is exceptional in the meticulous rendering of the complex patterns of the tiles and textures. His absolute mastery of oil painting makes it possible to bring the snake’s skin and the draperies to life. This masterpiece testifies to craftsmanship of rare perfection.