Neon Grande Odalisque — Ingres Reinterpreted by Borbay

Originally painted in 1814 by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, Grande Odalisque remains one of the most discussed figures in Western art. Its famously elongated anatomy—both improbable and elegant—has fascinated viewers for more than two centuries.

That tension between distortion and beauty made the painting irresistible for reinterpretation through neon.

This work continues Borbay’s Re-Mastered Series, translating historic masterworks into contemporary visual language.

The project began during a conversation with a collector exploring a commission. They were initially drawn to Neon Girl with a Pearl Earring, which had already been placed, and suggested looking deeper into the series. I created a shared Dropbox folder and invited them to add works that resonated. When the file titled “Top_Fav_Grande_Odalisque_Ingres” appeared, the direction was clear.

Many Borbay paintings begin this way—through conversations with collectors that evolve into collaborative studio explorations.

Phase 1 — Deconsctruction

Neon Grande Odalisque by Borbay Painting Process 1

While creative processes evolve over time, mine remains rooted in deconstruction and reconstruction.

Before any detail is addressed, the painting is reduced to its essential architecture. A warm underpainting establishes the structural forms that will guide the entire composition.

The irony of the first preview image wasn’t lost, and required a meta treatment.

Phase 2 — Composition

Neon Grande Odalisque by Borbay Painting Process 2

One of the great revelations of the Re-Mastered Series has been understanding why these works became masterpieces in the first place.

The answer almost always begins with composition.

In Grande Odalisque, the tension and balance activate nearly every square inch of the canvas. Establishing the major tonal blocks early makes it far easier to build a controlled palette and maintain harmony as the painting develops.

Phase 3 — Establishing the Neon

Neon Grande Odalisque by Borbay Painting Process 3

In portraiture, the first pass of shapes serves as placeholders. Capture the likeness first, then build the image around it.

Introducing the neon tubes marks one of the most exciting steps in the process. Establishing the brightest highlights early allows the entire value structure of the painting to lock into place.

Phase 4 — Texture and Surface

Neon Grande Odalisque by Borbay Painting Process 4

What I love about Grande Odalisque is its extraordinary textural variation: fur, drapery, skin, pearls, gold, and feathers.

Each material demands a different brush language, allowing the painting to evolve through a wide range of mark-making approaches.

Neon Grande Odalisque by Borbay Painting Process 5

Each studio session focused on a different component of the composition — the pipe, the fur, the folds of fabric.

Working within a controlled palette ensured that every element spoke to the next, maintaining cohesion across the entire painting.

Phase 5 — Refinement

Neon Grande Odalisque by Borbay Painting Process 7

The skin was repainted four separate times.

With each pass it became smoother, more nuanced, and more dimensional. Ingres’s famously elongated anatomy required careful study to maintain both accuracy and elegance.

Phase 6 — The Void

Neon Grande Odalisque by Borbay Painting Process 8

At this stage the painting began to feel complete — often the most exhilarating moment in the process.

The final task was the matte background, executed with Blackest Black in the Universe. It is an unwieldy paint to handle, but the effect is mesmerizing: the neon tubes appear to float in an endless void.

The Completed Painting

With the final details in place, Neon Grande Odalisque arrived at completion.

This painting was an extraordinary journey from start to finish. Collaborating with the collectors throughout the process made it even more meaningful, and sharing each stage of the work reminded me why the Re-Mastered Series continues to evolve.

To my collectors — thank you for the trust, the dialogue, and the adventure.

Neon Grande Odalisque
Acrylic on Belgian Linen
24″ × 43″
2026

Works from the Re-Mastered Series are occasionally available through direct studio placement.

Collectors interested in similar works or commissions may inquire privately.

jason@borbay.com