Pharaoh´s Handmaidens John Collier (1850-1934)

The painting Pharaohs Handmaidens depicts three young women in what appears to be an ancient Egyptian setting. They are adorned with jewelry and wear minimal clothing, revealing their bare breasts and torsos. The two women on the right are looking directly at the viewer, with one holding a small bowl and the other holding a round jug. The woman on the left is partially obscured by a golden curtain, and she holds a tray with flowers. The background features architectural elements suggestive of Egyptian structures, with hieroglyphs and decorative patterns visible.
The subtexts of the painting likely revolve around themes of beauty, sensuality, and the exoticism associated with ancient Egypt in Western art. The semi-nude depiction of the women, their youthful appearance, and the opulent setting can be interpreted as an idealized representation of Egyptian servants or concubines, catering to male gazes and fantasies. The presence of the bowl and jug suggests service or ritual, further emphasizing their subservient roles. The overall impression is one of alluring mystery and a romanticized vision of a distant past, often found in Orientalist art.