(Prague 1855–1895 Gutenstein)
The Guardian, signed dated R. Ambros Paris (18)94, oil on panel, 46 x 32 cm, framed

Provenance:
Private Collection, Austria.

Raphael von Ambros was born in Prague to the composer August Wilhelm Ambros. After studying at the academy there from 1869 to 1871/72, he continued his artistic training at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna. Ambros received lessons from Hans Makart, among others, whose style had a lasting influence on him. He specialised in allegories, genre and portrait painting. One of his paintings was exhibited at both the Paris Salon in 1887 and in Prague. His work was also exhibited in Vienna, for example at the annual Künstlerhaus exhibition in 1897. Ambros's works repeatedly depict oriental scenes, such as the present lot which shows a North African harem guard. The artist painted this motif several times in different variations, portraying the guards wearing different colourful robes. In addition to the splendid clothing, the ornamental building façade is indicative of a wealthy environment. Castrated men were employed to guard the harem - the living quarters of the female members of a Muslim patriarch. The armed eunuchs ensured the women’s protection, although the splendid clothing and accessories seen here are more of an idealised western depiction.