Theodoros Ralli

Paris, Salon, 1901, no. 1664 (as Au bain, Egypte)

Catalogue illustré du Salon de 1901, Paris, no. 1664, listed; p. 242, illustrated 
Maria Katsanaki, Le peintre Théodore Ralli et son oeuvre, (PhD. diss.) Université Panthéon-Sorbonne, Paris, 2007, vol. I, p. 346, n. 249, catalogued; p. 500, illustrated
Theodoros Ralli, Looking East, exh.cat., Benaki Museum, Athens, 2014 - 2015, p. 68, fig. 32, catalogued & illustrated (dated circa 1901)

The canvas has not been lined. Some very fine stretcher marks are visible, including one corresponding to the central stretcher member. There is a circa 10cm horizontal scratch in the centre of the right framing edge - however this is barely visible and appears to be superficial. Ultra-violet light reveals some minor, isolated spots of cosmetic retouching, including: - a small spot in the woman's chest; - a fine line in the upper right corner; - a couple of spots in the lower left corner. The above mentioned retouching appear to have somewhat discoloured in time and are visible upon very close inspection. Otherwise, this work is overall in good condition and ready to hang. Presented in a decorative gilt frame.
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This painting, Ralli's submission to the 1901 Paris Salon, is a striking example of the artist's enduring delight in depicting scenes of everyday life in Egypt, in this instance an intimate moment capturing the calm torpor of a hammam interior. While adhering to the highest levels of realism and ethnographic exactitude, the present work is not without an air of exoticism and sensuality, emphasised by the female figure's unselfconscious yet suggestive stance. The traditional composition, rich yet subdued palette, Orientalist theme and exquisite draughtsmanship reflect Ralli's training at the École des Beaux Arts in Paris under the tutelage of Jean-Léon Gerome, made possible through the support and patronage of King Otto of Greece. Ralli made his debut at the Paris Salon in 1875, was appointed to the jury of the Paris World Fair in 1900, and spent the rest of his life in Paris, travelling regularly to the Middle East.