A caravan in a sandstorm

Charles Théodore Frère is a great figure in the Orientalist movement. He exhibited his first Orientalist painting at the 1839 Salon, following a trip to Algeria in 1837 that changed the course of his artistic career. Yet, it was a three-year-long trip further East that was to make a lasting impression on the young artist. Setting off from Malta, he continued on to Constantinople, Syria, Palestine, Nubia and finally Egypt, where he set up his studio. Egypt had a profound influence on the artist and his sensitive depictions of the environs unique to this land earned him international regard. He was also highly acclaimed in Egypt, whose government bestowed him with the title "bey", and encouraged him to maintain a studio in Cairo. As a result of his strong ties with the country, he was chosen to accompany Princess Eugénie to witness the opening of the Suez Canal. During his travels, he produced copious amounts of material and sketches which he used to create new compositions.
The present work is a fine example of the paintings that had earned Frère medals for his entries to the salons of 1848 and 1865. Caught by a sandstorm at dusk, a caravan seeks shelter amongst the ruins of a temple. The strong winds have broken the canopy on the camel’s harness. The Sheyek, or leader of the caravan, fights to calm the startled camel. Behind them, the rest of the caravan emerges from the sand clouds. Frère vividly recalls the dusty and perilous travels of the caravans through the desert, and creates an atmosphere that greatly impressed artists, such as Monet, European royal patrons, such as Empress Eugénie, and the Ottoman rulers of Egypt alike.