Vente New York, Christie’s, 4 juin 2009, lot 118 ;

Galerie Haboldt & co, Paris, selon l'actuel propriétaire

Collection Louis Grandchamp des Raux

In the 19th century, Austrian Orientalism was part of a broader European movement characterized by the great enthusiasm of artists and writers for the East. Among its most illustrious representatives was Franz Xavier Kosler, trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, where he was admitted in 1881. From 1884 to 1885, he continued his training under the direction of celebrated artist Leopold Carl Müller, known as “Müller the Egyptian”. Müller introduced him to Orientalist painting and taught him the art of genre scenes and portraiture. Müller, who made regular trips to Cairo between 1873 and 1892, no doubt encouraged his pupil to undertake the journey himself. From 1886 to 1892, Kosler travelled to Dalmatia, Montenegro, Albania and Egypt. Two years later, he returned to Egypt, courtesy of Archduke Ferdinand Karl, the younger brother of the ill-fated Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination in Sarajevo altered the course of European history.

The identification of our painting amongst the works exhibited by Kosler at the Salons proves difficult, as the titles given in the catalogues – often descriptive and non-specific, such as Jeune Bédouine, Jeune Égyptienne, or by name, such as Amina – do not allow for a definitive match. The portrait shows a young Nubian woman, seen in profile within a tight frame.

Here, the artist adopts a naturalistic and intimate approach, favouring direct observation without any staging. The intensity of her gaze, the softness of the modelling, and the flashes of light on her skin and veil give this portrait its striking presence. Through his compassionate and sensitive manner, the artist succeeds in creating a profound closeness between the young woman and the viewer.