ARTHUR VON FERRARIS | The Armourer’s Shop

Private collection, France (acquired by the family in the 1920s; sale: Sotheby’s, London, 14 June 1995, lot 128)
Private collection, London (purchased at the above sale)

Paris, Salon, 1893, no. 694 (as Bédouins chez l'armurier)
Munich, Glaspalaste, Jahresausstellung von Kunstwerken aller Nationen, 1893, no. 422 (as Beduinen beim Waffenhändler)

Lynne Thornton, Les Orientalistes: peintres voyageurs, 1993, p. 84, cited (as Bédouins chez l'armurier)

The canvas has not been lined and appears to be on its original keyed wooden stretcher. There is a pattern of very fine craquelure throughout, with some drying craquelure visible in the yellow garment of the man sitting to the right. Signs of frame rubbing are visible along the four extreme framing edges. Ultra-violet light reveals areas of uneven varnish which make the surface quite difficult to read. However, no signs of retouching are visible. This work is in good condition and ready to hang. Presented in a decorative gilt 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."

In this animated depiction of an armourer's shop Ferraris demonstrates his skill both as a draughtsman and as an acute observer of Egyptian society. From the array of weapons including kilij swords and khanjar knives, to the costumes of the shopkeepers and their client, deep in negotiation, every detail is painstakingly observed and minutely rendered, offering up a fascinating visual document of the vibrancy of life in the streets of Cairo at the turn of the century. Ferraris's fastidious attention to detail reflects the influence of his teacher, Jean-Léon Gérôme (lots 8 & 11), at whose encouragement Ferraris travelled to Cairo in the winter of 1885 in the company of Ludwig Deutsch.