The painter and collector Leon Bonnat became famous through the Salon exhibitions for his portrait works, as well as his historical and religious paintings. His paintings with Oriental motifs were also popular. The interest in the Oriental theme was preconditioned by the age of romanticism. Leon Bonnat traveled eastward in 1868, and after his return to Europe he translated his craving for the exotic worlds into his artworks. ‘An Oriental Barbershop’ was exhibited in Salon du Paris in 1873 under the title ‘Turkish Barber.’ This painting demonstrates the painter’s individual technique, elaborate rendition of details, and attention to the effects of the peculiar southern lighting.