Jean-Léon Gérôme

Boussod, Valadon & Cie (acquired from the artist)
Knoedler, New York (acquired from the above in 1888)
F. O. Matheissen, New York (sale: Mendelssohn Hall, New York, 1-2 April 1902)
Purchased by the present owner after 1985

Oeuvres de J.-L. Gérôme (28 volumes of mounted photographs of Gérôme's paintings and sculptures, the gift of his widow held by the Cabinet des Estampes, Bibliothèque Nationale), vol. I, illustrated
Gerald Ackerman, Jean-Léon Gérôme, Paris, 1986, p. 135, illustrated; p. 260, catalogued; p. 261, no. 352, illustrated
Gerald Ackerman, Jean-Léon Gérôme, Paris, 2000, p. 140, illustrated; p. 320, no. 352, catalogued and illustrated

The edges of the canvas have been partly cut down (approximately 2cm along each of the left and right edges and 5cm along the lower edge) from the original size (as seen in the catalogue raisonné), and the canvas relined and restretched. Ultra-violet light reveals an uneven varnish which fluoresces opaquely in parts and relatively minor scattered signs of retouching, notably intermittent strokes along the upper and lower framing edges, spots to the left of the figure's face, tiny spots in the figure's upper right arm, and a number of scattered spots in the background. The overall appearance of the work is good and it is ready to hang. The colours in the catalogue illustration are reasonably accurate however the colours are somewhat deeper in reality. In addition the catalogue illustration is slightly cropped. Presented in a decorative gilt coved and fluted 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."

Painted circa 1888, the present work belongs to a series of paintings of veiled ladies Gérôme painted in the 1870s and 1880s, posed for half-length portraits, seated or standing in kasbah alleyways, performing dances or, as in this case, leaning from a balcony window. The costume worn by the model re-appears in a number of other works from the series (figs. 1 & 2). Inspired by his travels to Egypt and Turkey, the costume and setting are meticulously observed, no doubt from photographs and sketches taken on the spot, or even from props brought back to Paris. The costume and pantaloon could be Ottoman-inspired, of the type still prevalent in Egypt at the time, while the mashrabiye (latice-work screen) speaks of an Egyptian setting, specifically a wooden balcony of the kind seen overhanging the streets of Cairo. Gérôme leaves it to the viewer to complete the narrative and to interpret the girl's alluring glance. Perhaps she is a dancer between acts, or a performer flaunting her services.