Theodoros Ralli

Private collection, France (since circa 1960s)

The canvas has not been lined. There is a pattern of fine craquelure throughout the composition, as visible in the catalogue illustration. Ultra-violet light reveals one small spot of retouching in the background in the upper left corner and two spots in the sitter's veil near her left and right eye respectively, addressing three old repairs (visible on the reverse), as well as some very thin lines in her hair. Presented in a decorative gilt frame with a nameplate.
"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."

Ralli's paintings display a high level of ethnographic exactitude, akin to the work of his teacher Jean-Léon Gérôme. His knowledge of Turkish and Egyptian culture grew from frequent visits to Asia Minor, the Levant, and especially Cairo, where Ralli set up a studio and wintered each year from the late 1880s until 1904.

The girl in the present work wears an ornate Ottoman gold coin headdress with a fringe of star-shaped amulets, and a matching necklace. With her white diaphanous veil and dress, and hair braided into a bun, she is dressed for a special occasion or celebration, possibly her own wedding. The cropped composition and punctilious draughtsmanship of the present work suggest the influence of photography so evident in Gérôme's work also.

Born in Constantinople of Greek descent, Ralli's precocious talent came to the attention of King Otto of Greece, under whose patronage he was able to travel to Paris to enrol at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts under the tutelage of Gerome. He made his debut at the Paris Salon in 1875, and in 1900 was appointed to the jury of the Exposition Universelle.