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Private collection
Oil on canvas 186.1 by 109.9 cm. (73 1/4 x 43 1/4 in.) signed Carolus-Duran and dated 1883 (lower left) From: Sothebys Judging from the title of a photogravure dated 1885, which depicts a lost painting showing the same model in the same dress and setting (see, Carolus-Duran, 1837-1917, exh. cat., Lille, 2003, p. 154, fig. 1), the young woman in our painting is the daughter of the Emir. Not really a portrait in the tradition of Carolus’s society ladies, or maybe not a portrait at all, he dresses his model in a vibrant red garment, the color underscoring his interest in Spanish painting. The trim is golden, jeweled brocade and she wears beaded slippers, giving the impression that she is an exotic beauty from the harem. A garland of pink roses is offset against her red dress, and petals are scattered on the Oriental rug. Around her neck is a string of pearls, the luster of which has been rendered perfectly by a few strokes of the paint brush. All of the warm reds and pinks are offset by the brilliant turquoise or aquamarine stone in the model’s ring. This “portrait” held a special significance for Carolus Duran, as he chose to display it prominently in the photograph of his studio (Sotheby's<>). Note:
Provenance New Washington
Hotel, Seattle (circa 1960's)
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