Théodore Ralli

Born in 1852 in Constantinople to the wealthy Greek Ralli merchant family, he pursued art despite his family's prominent business background.¹

Due to family opposition, he worked in the family business in London until his father's death in 1871, after which he moved to Paris to study painting.¹

He studied under the Orientalist master Jean-Léon Gérôme at the École des Beaux-Arts and was considered one of his best students.¹

He first exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1875, became a member of the Société des Artistes Français, and regularly showed work at London's Royal Academy.¹

In 1885, he visited Mount Athos for 15 days, touring over 11 monasteries. This trip provided Byzantine inspiration for his later religious subjects.¹

Refectory in a Greek Monastery (Mount Athos)

From 1891 to 1904, he spent winters in Cairo, teaching drawing to the aristocracy and befriending the poet Constantine P. Cavafy.¹

He served as a jury member at the 1900 Exposition Universelle and was awarded the Legion of Honour in 1901, achieving high international acclaim during his life.¹

Though forgotten after death, his work was rediscovered in the 21st century; his painting 'The Captive' sold for over $1.5 million in 2007.¹