Théodore Chassériau French, 1819-1856

Collection Gras (his sale: Hotel Drouot, Paris, 22 May 1907, lot 5)
Alfred Baillehache (his sale: Hotel Drouot, Paris, 23 May 1922)
Sale: Claude Boisgirard, Paris, 26 June 1991, lot 75

Paris, Quatrième exposition des peintres orientalistes français, 1897, no. 5
Paris, Musée de l'Orangerie, Chassériau, 1933, no. 68
Paris, Galerie Daber, Chasseriau, 1976, no. 17 (illustrated in the catalogue)

Aglaüs Bouvenne, 'Chassériau', The Arts, September 1887, no. 121
Lloyd Goodrich, 'Chassériau', The Arts, August 1928, p. 240, illustrated
Marc Sandoz, Théodore Chassériau. Catalogue raisonné des peintures et estampes, Paris, 1974, pp. 360-361, no. 223, pl. CLXXXVIII, catalogued and illustrated

This condition report has been provided by Hamish Dewar, Hamish Dewar Ltd. Fine Art Conservation, 14 Masons Yard, Duke Street, St James's, London SW1Y 6BU. Theodore Chasseriau Odalisque Couchee Oil on panel Structural Condition The artist's panel has been cradled and this is providing a stable and secure structural support. Paint surface The paint surface has an even varnish layer and only one very small retouching, by the right framing edge, is visible under ultra-violet light. Summary The painting is therefore in excellent and stable condition and no further work is required.
"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."

Combining memories of Algeria, which he visited in 1846, with his own fantasies, Odalisque couchée captures Chassériau's unique vision of the Orient, the land of his longings and dreams.

Just as the experience of North Africa and the Middle East transformed the palettes of Delacroix, Fromentin and Gérôme, so Chassériau's journey to Algeria had a profound and lasting influence on his artistic output, offering him a wealth of new subject matter and introducing him to a dazzling light and colours he had not experienced before.

The subject of the harem was one which fascinated many Orientalist painters, for the very reason that it was one of the few places not accessible to men, let alone Western men. Steeped in mystery and speculation, harems not only piqued the imagination of artists and viewers alike, but because they were deemed far enough removed from European culture provided the ideal vehicle for painters to explore the nude without censure.