Théodore Jacques Ralli

Vassilis Korkolopoulos
Private collection, Greece

Giannoula Kaplanis, Tobacco Boxes from the V. Korkolopoulos Collection, Athens, 2004, illustrated on the cover
Maria Katsanaki, Le Peintre Théodore Ralli (1852-1909) et son oeuvre, Doctoral Thesis, Paris, 2007, vol. I, p. 291, mentioned; vol. II, p. 562, no. 366, catalogued & illustrated; vol. III, fig. 99, illustrated

The canvas has not been lined. This work is in good condition and presents very well. There are three pin-head size nail holes along the extreme left, upper and right framing edges and one very small spot of flaking in the background above the figure. However, this appears to be stable. Faint horizontal stretcher marks are also visible. Ultra-violet light reveals one small spot of retouching between the figure's thighs, some minor cosmetic spots in the background to the left of the figure, and some areas of uneven fluorescence due to discoloured varnish. This work is ready to hang. Presented in a decorative frame.
"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."

The present work is indeed one of Ralli's most erotically charged works. Sitting languidly on a throne is a young girl, entirely naked. The incense burning to the left has induced her into a deep sleep, as petals drop to the floor from her open hands. While contemplating this work one cannot disregard the ambiguity of the title and ask oneself what is the offering, whether the flowers, brought to the altar by the young girl, or the girl herself, offering her body to the divinity in a moment of ecstasy. Whatever the meaning, this ambiguity certainly adds a layer of sensuality to this intriguing and beautiful work.  

Born in Constantinople, Ralli pursued a thoroughly international career. While Paris became his home early on, throughout his life he travelled frequently to Greece and the Middle East, often spending the winter months in Cairo. From the 1870s he trained alongside other foreign painters in the studio of leading pompier painter Jean-Léon Gérôme, whose legendary draughtsmanship and photographic finish provided a model of perfection Ralli emulated with great success.

Ethnographic precision and exactitude were Ralli's guiding principles, yet his compositions are enhanced by a fine sense of narrative and a delight in the exotic. Like Gérôme he returned time and again to scenes from the hammam, whose voyeuristic associations assured strong commercial appeal. As Maria Katsanaki noted, 'Ralli showed a special preference for the moments of relaxation and enjoyment which followed the ritual of bathing. In these scenes he depicts his models with luminous velvet skin lying about languidly, towelling themselves gracefully or stretching coquettishly'('Images of the Orient in Greek Painting' in Marina Lambraki-Plaka ed., Four Centuries of Greek Painting, Athens, 1999, p. 95).