Oil on canvas
65 x 49 cm
1901
Signed, dated and located 'Marrakech' upper right
Price on request
George Warrington Curtis was in the privileged position of not having to work as an artist professionally. Born into a very wealthy family who made their money in medical patents, most notably the very popular Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup, he dedicated his life to becoming a well-travelled artist and learned man of culture. Having been introduced to transatlantic voyages to Europe in his youth by his parents, his later frequent sojourns to the Continent would mix him with the cream of artistic circles. His older brother, the collector and philanthropist Atherton M. Curtis, moved to Paris permanently in 1903 and became neighbours with the art collector and patron Gertrude Stein, and later he and his wife would have visits from Matisse.
George's curiosity in foreign cultures brought him, at the age of 29, to Marrakech in 1901, where he painted this captivating and intense portrayal of a young Moroccan lady in full caftan regalia. Along with her bejewelled headband, earrings and necklace they capture a piece of Morocco's deep cultural heritage. An outfit worn for special occasions, such as weddings and baptisms, Curtis has depicted his sitter at her finest. With her long voluminous hair she exudes a luxuriance and abundance which Curtis fittingly matches with the thick rich impasto in the paint of the caftan. Adding to this her engaging gaze, it creates an overall allure and mystique.
