Weekend Whimsy: Grande Odalisque

The Weekend Whimsy Formula

Art + Quote + Prompt = Inspiration

Find a complete list of our Weekend Whimsy writing prompts here.

The Art

I don't know if you realized this, but Valentine's Day is coming up. We here at Floodmark are more than a little excited, as this is a holiday specifically made for artsy romantics to woo their significant others, crushes, or just say nice things to their family and friends. (As a disclaimer, I don't advise you send this particular piece of art to your family, friends, or coworkers on Valentine's Day, as it might send the wrong overall message.) In honor of the big V-Day, I chose Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres's Grande Odalisque (1814) (or Une Odalisque, if you're the Louvre, where this painting hangs). 

I chose Grande Odalisque for its obvious seductive qualities. (This painting might be relevant to Vernon's recent post on Orientalism, if you're looking for some deeper thoughts on the mood.)  A throwback to the classical nude, Ingres put his own little twist on things by elongating the odalisque's back and arm. Certainly, it lends an air of elegance. But at the time, the painting received a lot of criticism for its anatomical inaccuracy. What do you think: does the exaggerated proportions of her back and arm make or break the painting? (I'm personally in Camp Make.)

But how about that gaze? Hmmmmm? The "female gaze" can be interpreted in many, many ways in art, photography, and life. True, she is being objectified physically and culturally. True, "odalisque" means "concubine". But her gaze is something a little different,  I think, than most: untamed, coy, unashamed, inviting, and powerful. Yes, she is basking in the viewer's gaze. But perhaps it's more complicated than that.

(source)

The Quote

Tell me what a person finds sexually attractive and I will tell you their entire philosophy of life.

(Ayn Rand)

The Prompt

What do you find sexually attractive? Write your own Grande Odalisque, and let it represent everything you are sexually attracted to. Yes, it's a woman in the painting, but don't let that limit you. In fact, don't let the mood or context of the painting limit you, either. Simply describe a person you're sexually attracted to -- this person can be real or fictional. Place them somewhere with good lighting in your imagination and write your heart out. 

When you're finished, taken an hour break. Walk around, eat an apple. Come back to what you've written and think about what is says about you.