Arthur von Ferraris

William Rivett (Gainsborough Gallery) Ltd., London
Purchased from the above by the present owner in 1955

This condition report has been provided by Hamish Dewar, Hamish Dewar Ltd. Fine Art Conservation, 14 Masons Yard, Duke Street, St James's, London SW1Y 6BU. Structural Condition The canvas has been lined and this is ensuring a sound and secure structural support. Paint surface The paint surface has an even varnish layer and no retouchings are visible under ultra-violet light. Summary The painting is therefore in very good and stable condition and no further work is required.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

In A Captive Audience, a Cairene crowd gathers in the shade of a dusty street to hear a sheik preaching, entranced by his hypnotic presence. In the background the minarets of the Madrasa of Sultan Qaytbay (the Mamluk ruler of Egypt and Syria between 1468-96), located in the eastern cemetery, gleam in the bright sunlight.

The cross section of types, ages and genders in varied dress not only displays Ferraris' skill in minutely rendering the exact features, but is a visual documentation of the vibrancy of life on the streets of Cairo at the turn of the century. Exhibiting the artist's gift for using different light sources to striking effect, the figures in the foreground stand out for their proximity and detail, and are set into relief by the brilliantly illuminated background. 

Ferraris's fastidious attention to details such as the garb of the curious onlookers and the intricate decoration of the architectural elements reflects the influence of Ferraris' former teacher, Jean-Léon Gérôme, at whose encouragement Ferraris travelled to Cairo in the winter of 1885 in the company of Ludwig Deutsch.