Sculptuur van Ismaël in de woestijn door Giovanni Strazza, tentoongesteld op de Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations van 1851 in Londen 1851

This is a photograph of Giovanni Strazza's sculpture of Ismaël in the desert, exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London. The sculpture depicts a reclining, nude Ismaël, a biblical figure known as the father of the Ishmaelites. The Great Exhibition was a landmark event that showcased the industrial achievements of various nations and it was within this context that Strazza presented his sculpture. The choice of Ismaël as a subject reflects a broader interest in biblical themes within 19th-century art. However, the sculpture also resonates with the orientalist imagery prevalent at the time, reflecting European fascination with the cultures of the Middle East and North Africa. The nudity of Ismaël and his languid pose evoke a sense of exoticism and otherness. Examining the critical reception of Strazza's sculpture, delving into the exhibition catalogs, and understanding the history of orientalism can further illuminate the complex cultural and social meanings embedded in this work.