Theodoros Rallis Greek, 1852-1909

Many of Rallis’ genre paintings can be viewed as nostalgic recollections of his homeland and its customs. The present work is a wonderful example of Rallis’ mastery of human form, and of his meticulous attention to detail and sensuous and romantic disposition. Painted with great care, Rallis’ young laundress is depicted in the foreground carefully rolling up her sleeves about to begin a day’s work. Standing in an open courtyard she is surrounded by the tools of her trade a large tub, the laundry and a ewer with hot water.   

Rallis nurtured a lifelong love and appreciation for the rural world which he depicted in his oeuvre in numerous manifestations. According to Andreas Ioannou “His way of painting was meticulous, his art austere and dry. The numerous details often tend to become wearisome to the eye, yet his is an art filled with emotion and lyricism. One could call it “idealistic mysticism”. He is moved by the themes he depicts, not by their colour” (A. Ioannou, Greek Painting, Athens, 1974, p. 244).

A waterolour version of the present work was sold at Sotheby's London, 18 June 1986 (see Fig. 1).

Fig. 1, Theodoros Rallis, A Greek Woman at a Tub, watercolour, sold: Sotheby's London, 18 June 1986, lot 465 ---dig ref 038D06100