Lot 743
Théodore Jacques Ralli (1852–1909)
Additional Images
Provenance:
Prominent Collection, Montreal
Note:
Theodore Ralli (1852-1909) is the most famous Greek painter of the 19th century who settled, studied and worked in Paris. Ralli had an international exhibition history and his works were frequently exhibited in the official Paris Salon after his debut in 1875.
Born in Constantinople, Ralli studied in the studios of Jean-Léon Gérôme and Jules-Antoine Lecomte du Nouÿ. He exhibited at the Royal Academy in London from 1879.
Ralli spent most of his adult life working in France and Egypt. In Cairo, the artist found inspiration for many of his most accomplished Orientalist compositions and maintained a studio there.
Dressed in traditional costume, the young weaver’s relaxed pose and expression are realistically rendered rather than idealized. The artist renders a scene of everyday life against a backdrop depicting characteristic buildings of the city.