Finished in 1880 and now in possession of private collectors through the Christie’s Auction house since 2001, the Pelt Merchant of Cairo is in many ways an emblematic Jean-Léon Gérôme painting, showcasing many of his preferred subject matters and personal belongings. Further, it remains in line with Gérôme’s penchant for Orientalism and the portrayal of salespeople from the East.

It portrays a young and handsome peddler displaying his wares: a beautiful tiger pelt and a Saracen helmet with mail neck guard, the former one of Gérôme’s favorite subject matters in his early career, and the latter a beloved personal belonging acquired in his travels. The pelt covers most of the seller’s body, from below his shoulders to his ankle, leaving only the right foot visible underneath it.

Surrounding him is a Muslim Egypt urban setting, with trellised windows under which the artist signs his name, high walkways, and hanging building extensions. In that setting another peddler advertises his wares, an assortment of pots and pans, calling the attention of nearby people. There is a contrast between the peddler in the background making himself noticed and the nonchalance of the pelt merchant, who leisurely lounges presenting his wares with an air of smugness about him as if he was sure of their quality and desirability.

The pelt merchant’s pose reinforces that nonchalance, posing in a resting contrapposto which not only makes him look at ease but also showcases Gérôme’s classical influence, referring to the preferred pose of the great sculptors and painters to instill movement to their subject matter. Interestingly enough, the painter uses that dynamic pose to reinforce the relaxation and naturality of the pelt merchant’s stance.

As for the composition, which arguably is largely influenced by the work of Rembrandt, who Gérôme both criticized and idealized, every element of the painting, while sumptuous and decorative in its own right, is subordinated to the overall composition. From the buildings to the distant peddler, from the pelt merchant’s hand holding the helmet to the draping of the tiger pelt, they all work together to reinforce the young merchant’s strength and presence.

It is a piece full of fine details, a statement of Gérôme’s talent and perfectionism, each stroke deliberately adding value and structure to a scene at the same time as quotidian and powerful as a simple merchant selling wares that not match his apparent lack of wealth.