This is a critical study of French and British art and written texts (poetry, literature, travel accounts, art criticism)—orientalist works about the harem produced in the period from 1800-1875. Original readings are provided for over 150 harem pictures, from well-known salon paintings to rarely published erotic popular prints and book illustrations. Multiple Wives, Multiple Pleasures examines these works closely, often establishing fresh contexts for many of the more well-known nineteenth century harem pictures, and often providing a consideration of lesser-known harem pictures that have been rarely published until now.

This is a critical study of French and British art and written texts (poetry, literature, travel accounts, art criticism)—orientalist works about the harem produced in the period from 1800-1875. Original readings are provided for over 150 harem pictures, from well-known salon paintings to rarely published erotic popular prints and book illustrations. Multiple Wives, Multiple Pleasures examines these works closely, often establishing fresh contexts for many of the more well-known nineteenth century harem pictures, and often providing a consideration of lesser-known harem pictures that have been rarely published until now.