Theodoros Vryzakis Greek, 1819-1878

As noted by Dr Nelly Missirli, "The present work depicts Ali Pasha from Ioannina and the Greek girl Vassiliki seated on a divan in a tender embrace. Ali Pasha (1789-1834) whose origin was from Tepeleni, Albania, became a governor of Ioannina after numerous uprisings and wars. Many famous Greeks served under him and his court gathered well educated people. Through his relation with England and Napoleon Bonaparte he became a well known figure in the western world. He was visited by Lord Byron during his travels in the region, and references to Ali Pasha in French literature were made by Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas and Balzac. His turbulent life attracted interest, and his great wealth and famous Harems were legendary.

By his side in the present work is his favourite, Vasiliki, the daughter of Kitzos Kontaxis, who from a young age lived in his harem, having come there possibly by abduction. With her beauty she succeeded to win the favour of the powerful tyrant and in the end won his true love. She kept her faith and many times through her intervention saved the lives of many of her compatriots. Although there was a big age difference between the two she was always loyal to the Pasha.

The love story of Ali Pasha and Vasiliki, depicted by major painters, also inspired Theodoros Vryzakis, who not only painted major events of the Greek Revolution but also personal moments experienced during the war.  

Facing each other the couple express a moment of tenderness and love. Vassiliki in profile, leaning on him, looks at him full of kindness, while her vast beauty and elegance is shown. Her elaborate coiffure, with braids, pearls, kerchief and cap adorns and surrounds the Greek features of her face. Her shirt reveals her youthful figure, and the rich brocade fabric which encircles the lower part of her body exposes her tender foot. Her form exudes nonchalance, romanticism and pathos, whilst being reminiscent of the odalisques of Ingres.

The Pasha is seated across from her with his legs crossed. Imposing but loving, he affectionately strokes her with his right hand. His clothes, precious fabrics with ornate patterns, as well as his sword, represent not only his strength but also his extraordinary wealth, which had become legendary during his lifetime.

In the background, through a window one can perceive the exotic architecture of the palace environs, a reference to the drawings historical setting. This lends the composition a romantic, classical and oriental feel, typical of such depictions at the time by nineteenth century painters, such as Horace Vernet, Paul Emile Jacobs, and A. Faucher. This particular scene met with great demand and was widely circulated in the form of engravings and porcelain reproductions.

The present work shows off Vryzakis' ability to capture detail exquisitely, notably in the rendering of the decorative elements, using ink with a clear painterly understanding. In the rendering of the various textures and shades through a thickening or thinning of the ink from black to brown, Vryzakis created a work with such quality that it can be counted among his most disgtinguished creations."  

We are grateful to Dr Nelly Missirli for providing this catalogue note and additional information for this work.