Theodoros Rallis Greek, 1852-1909

The Captive (Turkish Plunder) is a prime example of Rallis' genre scenes, both in its combination of religiosity, sensuousness and romantic disposition, and by virtue of its fine sense of narrative. The large scale format of the painting further denotes the importance Rallis attached to this particular work.

Born in Constantinople of Greek descent, Rallis trained in Paris in the studio of leading pompier painter Jean-Léon Gérôme, through the support and patronage of King Otto of Greece. He made his debut at the Paris Salon in 1875, and in 1900 was appointed to the Jury of the Parisian International Exhibition. Gérôme's legendary draughtsmanship and photographic finish provided a model of perfection, which Rallis emulated with great success, yet, contrary to Gérôme, ethnographical precision and exactitude were also his guiding principles. 

Theodoros Rallis spent most of his working life in France and Egypt. His genre paintings, as a consequence, were often nostalgic recollections of his homeland. The Captive (Turkish Plunder) reveals the inner passion of his subject: The young Greek captive is portrayed with a delicate and moving reverence, her head solemnly lowered and her gaze glancing at the viewer almost calling out for help. In the left of the composition her captors are seated smoking and conversing in front of a fire. The spoils of war can be seen in the foreground.

Showcasing the complexity of the setting for which Rallis was renowned, in the present work the scene is elaborated with great attention to detail, from the costumes of the figures to the icons in the background - the haloed figures of the Virgin and Child and a multitude of Saints being clearly visible in the background. 

The subject of the captive fascinated nineteenth century artists. Another work by Rallis depicting an abducted maiden, but later in date, is in the collection of the National Gallery and Alexandros Soutzos Museum, Athens. Nikiforos Lytras also treated this subject when he exhibited The Abducted Maid in Paris at the International Exhibition of 1878.