The Leopard in Cairo

Description of the artwork

At the bend in a shady Cairo alleyway, the painter captures the unexpected encounter between a wildcat and a monkey trainer. The terrified little animal takes refuge on his master's shoulder, crying out in distress as the trainer looks on amused. The trainer, confident despite the animal's presence, remains calmly seated on the ground, without the slightest apprehension, while a man stands with his gaze turned towards his leopard, firmly restraining the animal. The latter is already showing his fangs, growling at the little primate.
In keeping with his great virtuosity, Ludwig Deutsch brings remarkable meticulousness to the treatment of fabrics, coats and surrounding architecture. This subject, rarely treated by the artist, testifies to his ability to transcribe an atypical scene with a technical virtuosity rarely equaled.

Origin

Private Collection, France

Literature

Reproduced in "Oriental Dreams" by M. Ary Jan, Ed. Norma, p.181