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"Scheherazade (1915)" by Henry Lyman Sayen is an evocative and vibrant painting that perfectly encapsulates the fusion of imagination and exoticism. The work is inspired by the tales of Scheherazade, the legendary Persian queen and storyteller of "One Thousand and One Nights." This painting, created during Sayen's mature period, is an explosion of color, form, and mysticism.

The canvas is dominated by a central female figure, likely representing Scheherazade herself. She is adorned in an elaborate, orientalist costume, with rich, flowing fabrics in deep reds, golds, and blues that emphasize the opulence of her world. Her posture is both poised and expressive, capturing the grace and intelligence of a woman who must weave tales to save her life.

Sayen employs a modernist approach with sharp geometric shapes and a bold use of color. The background is abstract, filled with dynamic patterns and motifs that hint at the exotic, mystical world from which Scheherazade's stories originate. The use of contrast and complimentary colors, such as the interplay between deep indigos and luminous yellows, enhances the dramatic tension within the painting.

Henry Lyman Sayen (1875–1918) was an American painter whose work is a bridge between Post-Impressionism and early American modernism. His career was tragically short, with his promising trajectory cut short by his untimely death during the flu pandemic in 1918.

Sayen was a contemporary of the Ashcan School artists yet distinct in his style. His work often showed influences from European avant-garde movements, particularly Fauvism and Cubism, evident in his use of vibrant colors and fragmented forms.

"Scheherazade (1915)" emerges at a time when Sayen had fully developed his artistic vocabulary. The painting’s complexity and exuberance demonstrate his mastery of color theory and dynamic composition. This piece not only reflects Sayen's interest in exploring non-Western themes but also highlights his originality in merging those themes with modern artistic techniques.

The original painting "Scheherazade (1915)" by Henry Lyman Sayen is part of the collection at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. The museum holds a significant collection of Sayen's works, preserving his legacy and showcasing his contribution to American modernism.

This painting is particularly noteworthy within Sayen's oeuvre as it encapsulates his fascination with storytelling and cultural hybridity. The Smithsonian American Art Museum provides a context for this work within both the American and broader international art movements of the early 20th century, emphasizing Sayen's role in the diffusion of modernist ideas in the United States.

"Scheherazade (1915)" is more than just a depiction of a legendary storyteller; it is a vivid testament to Henry Lyman Sayen's innovative spirit and artistic vision. Through its vibrant colors, imaginative composition, and cultural synthesis, the painting invites viewers to delve into the enchanting world of Scheherazade and, simultaneously, to appreciate Sayen’s unique artistic blend of tradition and modernity.