"Moroccan Carpet Merchant" is an Orientalist watercolor on painting, depicting an elderly man in his rug shop, and a young lady standing next to him, looking straight to the viewer. Meticulous details of dresses, carpets, and furniture – all are reflection of Moroccan atmosphere. Signed "Ballesio Roma Tivoli" on the lower left.
Francesco Ballesio (1860–1923) was an Italian painter known for his detailed Orientalist scenes and depictions of elegantly dressed female figures. Born in Turin, he studied at the Accademia Albertina before moving to Rome, where he gained recognition, particularly after exhibiting at the 1883 International Exhibition. Influenced by Bartolomeo Pinelli, he specialized in watercolors and oils portraying Middle Eastern bazaars, harem interiors, and other exotic settings, reflecting the 19th-century European fascination with the Orient.