Elizabeth Nourse (American, 1859-1938) Tunis Women Weaving, 1897 Watercolor on paper Gift of Frank Jordan 2006.28
Elizabeth Nourse created this watercolor during her travels to
Tunisia in North Africa in the late 19th century. She was a highly
regarded artist during her life, winning numerous awards and
honors, exhibiting in the Parisian Salon, and gaining
international recognition. Nourse not only exhibited masterful
technical ability, but was an altruistic philanthropist. She helped
feed the children of her models, caring for their sick and needy,
and helping refugees and artists displaced by WWI. Nourse
portrayed the daily lives of the peasant women and children
she cared for with depth of emotional sympathy. In contrast to
19th century Orientalism, where European artists would
exoticize the female body from this part of the world, Nourse
employs a gaze of empathy and compassion.