The admirers of the 19th c. French painter Jean-Léon Gérôme may see several of his works on display at the Hermitage in St. Petersburg - including an ill-fated yet sensual Harem Pool.

      The painting in the manner typical for Academism style was commissioned to Gérôme by the Great Prince Alexander Alexandrovich, the future Emperor Alexander III of Russia. In 1876 it was exhibited under the title "Turkish women at the pool". This is just one in the long series of female nudes in antique or Oriental setting that were painted by the artist in his long career.

      In 2001 the painting was cut out from the frame right in the hall where it hang and went missing until 2007 when it was recovered in Moscow. Two and a half years were spent restoring the work. Now it has finally gone on display, covered by the glass. Several other works by Jean-Léon Gérôme are also exhibited.

      The exhibition at the Hermitage will last until February 5, 2012.

      Source: Art Russia. Image courtesy: http://www.jeanleongerome.org/