On the Terrace

Frederic Arthur Bridgman's painting On the Terrace offers an intimate glimpse into the private world of North African women. The composition features three women lounging on a sunlit terrace, adorned in vibrant, multi-hued fabrics and richly bejeweled with gold and silver bangles on their wrists and ankles. They recline comfortably in a light-filled interior, with the bright white-walled buildings of the city and the sparkling blue sea visible through the arcade, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. 

This painting exemplifies Bridgman's dedication to authentically portraying the daily and often private lives of women in North Africa. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Bridgman immersed himself in the culture, spending extended periods in regions like Algeria to observe and document everyday activities. His sincere depictions earned him respect and positioned him as a leading figure in the Orientalist movement, which sought to capture the exoticism and allure of Eastern societies.