Attributed to Jacob Henricus Maris 1837-1899

Straight solid panel. No retouches visible under UV-light. In good condition.
"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 current lot was probably painted during Maris' stay in Paris, between 1865 and 1871. During that time he was financially supported by the art dealers Goupil et Cie. He made several works in commission for them, including some copies after well known French masters such as Hippolyte Bellangé and Jean-Léon Gerôme (1824-1904). It is feasible - although not certain - that The Arab was conceived in the same vein. Important Orientalists such as Gerome and Mariano Fortuny (1828-1874) were among the most best selling artists at Goupil. Maris would therefore have known their work very well. There is another work known, very similar in style, titled The Orientalists (illustrated in: M. van Heteren, C. van Tuyll van Serooskerken, Jacob Maris (1837-1899) - Ik denk in mijn materie, Zwolle 2004, cat. no. 12, page 107), which has the same subject, brushwork, tonal colouring and chiaro-scuro contrasts.