Art at the Riad: An Ode to Orientalism

Inspired by the Orientalists, Pierre, the manager of the Riad, wanted to decorate his establishment by immersing himself in the captivating stories his grandfather told him about his native Algeria. As a child, Pierre was lulled by these Arab tales, his grandfather's descriptions of life in the Maghreb, images of blooming bougainvillea, etc., awakening in him a deep fascination for the world of the Middle East and the Maghreb. Orientalism, with its rich and evocative visual representations, allowed him to bring these childhood stories to life and create a space where every detail resonates with the stories and images that reflect his family’s past.

Art at the Riad: The Moorish Chief by Eduard Charlemont

At the entrance of Riad Dar Chacha, a large painting immediately catches the eye: The Moorish Chief by Eduard Charlemont. This masterpiece, which dominates the reception area and the staircase leading to the upper floor, is an iconic work by Austrian painter Eduard Charlemont. Charlemont, known for his portraits, captured in this painting all the grandeur and mystery of the Orient. Currently housed in the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the United States, this painting finds a prominent place in the Riad, where it continues to transmit the essence of Orientalism and enrich the visitors' experience. Its presence at Riad Dar Chacha is a testament to the owner’s passion for Oriental art and his desire to share this fascinating art with his guests.

Eduard Charlemont: A Masterpiece of the Seraglio Guard

Eduard Charlemont was born in Vienna in 1848. His father, Matthias Adolf Charlemont, was also a painter, specializing in miniature portraits. His younger brother, Hugo Charlemont, was a renowned impressionist painter. At the age of fifteen, Eduard Charlemont first exhibited his works at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, where he was studying fine arts.

At the same age, he was hired to teach drawing at a girls' school. After graduating from the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, Charlemont traveled to several countries in Central Europe before settling in Paris, where he lived for thirty years. In Paris, he repeatedly won the first prize at the Salon of Paris, an annual exhibition organized by the Academy of Fine Arts.

Charlemont’s most famous work is The Guard of the Seraglio, displayed at the Riad, also known as The Moorish Chief, which depicts an armed Moor guarding a seraglio (a part of a rich Arab villa where women resided when visited by outsiders). In 1899, he won the gold medal at the Exposition Universelle in Paris. Charlemont was also renowned for his frescoes. He painted three of the frescoes at the Burgtheater (the Austrian National Theatre in Vienna, one of the most important German-speaking theatres), with a total length of approximately 55 meters.

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Enjoying Marrakech at Riad Dar Chacha:

The historic city of Marrakesh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the ideal place to discover the history and antiquities of North Africa. The Medina is the cultural centre of the city, home to traditional riads, historic buildings, and points of interest such as Jamaa El Fna Square, Badii Palace, Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs and the Medersa Ben Youssef. If you're looking for a colourful, lively atmosphere bursting with culture, emotion and scents, the Medina is the place to be.

And, if you prefer tranquility, Riad Dar Chacha, with its 150 m2 garden terrace, is the perfect choice for an authentic and exotic experience in Marrakesh. Nestled in the heart of the old city, our Riad offers the best services for your stay, with a friendly staff dedicated to the well-being of our guests and is ideally located to visit all the historical places of the medina.

Contact us or at contact@riad-dar-chacha.com for any information request.

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