Oriental women, body and image On the representation of the female body and the perception of its image in East and West

Résumé

The body image of Oriental women has long captivated both Eastern and Western audiences. This article delves into the portrayal of Oriental women across various contexts and historical periods. Orientalist painters frequently depicted them as exotic and enticing figures, often far removed from the harsh social realities they faced. As highlighted by Fatema Mernissi, the depiction of harem women, for example, frequently diverges from the lived experiences where they may not always be subservient to their masters. Idealised and sometimes unrealistic representations of the administered body, the unveiled body, and the body in conflict with reality contribute to shaping an unreal image of the subject under study. Cultural norms, temporal dynamics, and geographical constraints influence these depictions.