Page "Orientalism" Paragraph 21

Depictions of Islamic " Moors " and " Turks " ( imprecisely named Muslim groups of North Africa and West Asia ) can be found in Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque art.

In Biblical scenes in Early Netherlandish painting, secondary figures, especially Romans, were given exotic costumes that distantly reflected the clothes of the Near East.

The Three Magi in Nativity scenes were an especial focus for this.

Renaissance Venice had a phase of particular interest in depictions of the Ottoman Empire in painting and prints.

Gentile Bellini, who travelled to Constantinople and painted the Sultan, and Vittore Carpaccio were the leading painters.

By then the depictions were more accurate, with men typically dressed all in white.

The depiction of Oriental carpets in Renaissance painting sometimes draws from Orientalist interest, but more often just reflects the prestige these expensive objects had in the period.