Ferdinand-Anne Piestre dit Fernand Cormon

Jérôme Ottoz, Paris (voir la note du lot 3);
Resté depuis chez ses descendants

The canvas has been re-lined. There is a horizontal line of repair and retouching parallel to the upper edge, visible under ultraviolet light. Apart from the band of repair and some light frame rubbing notable to the right edge, this work is in good condition, with rich colours and fine detail, and ready to hang.
"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."

Fernand Cormon, peintre d'histoire érudit et célébrissime professeur à l'école des Beaux Arts de Paris (Toulouse-Lautrec et Matisse furent ses élèves) a eu des rapports plutôt occasionnels avec l'Orient. Il ne s'aventura qu'une seule fois en Tunisie, en 1875, séjour qui lui inspira peut-être notre tableau, daté 1875. Il a peint quelques tableaux orientalistes, ludiques, pleins d'humour et très imaginatifs, souvent inspirés des Mille et une nuits, par exemple Un harem, conservé au Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Narbonne.