Bashi-Bazouk

Bashi-Bazouk

Bashi-Bazouk

Artist:Jean-Léon Gérôme (French, Vesoul 1824–1904 Paris)
Date:1868–69
Medium:Oil on canvas
Dimensions:31 3/4 x 26 in. (80.6 x 66 cm)
Classification:Paintings
Credit Line:Gift of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 2008

This arresting picture was made after Gérôme returned to Paris from a twelve-week journey to the Near East in early 1868. He was at the height of his career when he dressed a model in his studio with textiles he had acquired during the expedition. The artist’s Turkish title for this picture—which translates as "headless"—evokes the unpaid irregular soldiers who fought ferociously for plunder under Ottoman leadership, although it is difficult to imagine this man charging into battle wearing such an exquisite silk tunic. Gérôme’s virtuosic treatment of textures provides a sumptuous counterpoint to the figure’s dignified bearing.

Provenance

the artist (sold in March 1869 for Fr 4,000 to Goupil); [Goupil & Cie, Paris, 1869; stock no. 4028, as "Un Bachibouzouk. Étude grandeur nature"; sold in March for Fr 7,500 (£500) to Wallis]; [Henry Wallis of The French Gallery, London, 1869–73; sold on July 21, 1873 for £550 to Avery]; Samuel Putnam Avery, New York (from 1873); Henry T. Cox, Brooklyn (by 1884–d. 1899); his estate (1899–1902; his estate sale, American Art Galleries, New York, January 17, 1902, no. 72, for $1,600 to Opper); J. Opper (from 1902); sale, Sotheby's, London, June 23, 1981, no. 29, to Koch; William I. Koch, Boston (1981–94; sold to Acquavella); [Acquavella Galleries, New York, 1994; sold to Wrightsman]; Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, New York (1994–2008)

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