A Fabulous Exhibition at the Tate Britain

British Orientalist Painting is the title of the current exhibit at the Tate Britain. This exhibit is of great significance for two reasons. One is the incredible art on view there. Some of Fredric Leighton's best work, as well as other mid to late 19th century British artists who toured and painted the Middle East at that time. The second reason is the insight into the lives of the people living there at the time as viewed by these artists and their wives. A very timely exhibit as the prominent position the Middle East currently plays in today's headlines.

Anyone who is a fan of the Pre-Raphelites will be thrilled with the assortment of watercolors, sketches and oils. The vivid colors reflect their influence in much of this art. The exhibition focuses on five major themes: portraits, genre, religious, domestic and landscape. The exhibition also ties the political scene at the time to the art portraying it. A whole room showing a rolling time line of the historic events gives the viewer an in depth look what was happening at the time. It also makes one reflect on how similar the problems are today over 100 years later. The more things change the more they are the same.

Hurry...don't miss this great collection. As of today there are only 12 days left!