A Merchant in Cairo
A merchant in Arab dress sits on a carpet on a paved Cairo street with an array of wares for sale. With a long, smoking pipe in his right hand he looks away, apparently lost in thought. This subject was inspired by Lecomte du Nouÿ's travels in Egypt, which he first visited on the recommendation of his teacher, Jean-Léon Gérôme, in 1865. Careful attention to detail reflects the painter’s academic training—and stands in contrast to his characterization of the merchant as detached from his surroundings.
Artwork Details
- Title: A Merchant in Cairo
- Artist: Jean Lecomte du Nouÿ (French, Paris 1842–1923 Paris)
- Date: 1870
- Medium: Oil on wood
- Dimensions: 11 3/4 × 8 3/4 in. (29.8 × 22.2 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Gift of Kenneth Jay Lane, 2015
- Object Number: 2015.506.2
- Curatorial Department: European Paintings
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