The Luminous Sands of an Orientalist Visionary Born in the vibrant landscape of New York City in 1860, Charles James Theriat emerged as a master of light and atmosphere, carving a unique niche within the prestigious tradition of Orientalism. While many of his contemporaries sought the exotic through staged studio compositions or bustling urban bazaars, Theriat possessed a restless, wandering spirit that drew him toward the profound st…