2-798-399 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Lady of the harem, at her toilet, 1844. North African woman in front of a mirror: '...a lady at her toilette, which is performed in a very elaborate manner, employs several hours, and demands the service of a number of slaves. Each of the latter has a separate office: one to perfume the hair, another to arrange the eyebrows, a third to paint them, and so on. The blackening of the latter by a preparation of antimony, the forming of them into a particular shape, and the filling of ihe hair with powdered cloves, perfumes, and scented waters, are the most favourite modes of female adornment'. From "Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol V.