GRANDE ODALISQUE by Ingres

Grande Odalisque (1814) – Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres

Ingres was the most prominent French painter of the 19th century for his portraits. The word "odalisque" is French in type and originates from the Turkish odalık, which means "chambermaid." This is commonly used to describe a slave and/or a prostitute. 

The Grande Odalisque was commissioned by the sister of Napoleon, Queen Caroline Murat of Naples. The artwork takes influence from earlier reclining nudes such as the Venus of Urbino by Titian. But, unlike them, it has undeniably elongated dimensions and is not anatomically correct.Studies also shown that the figure has an unusual spinal curvature and rotation of the pelvis. Furthermore, her left hand is shorter than her right one. 

Originally known for the structural anomalies,The Grande Odalisque is now popular for the same explanation that people feel that anomalies are symbolic of nature. For eg, it is assumed that the pelvic region of the concubine has been deliberately elongated to demonstrate that it is mainly intended to accommodate the carnal desires of the sultan.