In 1962 Dalí completed and exhibited his epic composition The Battle of Tetuán (see Christie's, New York sale, May 10, 1994, lot 68), his homage to the Spanish painter Mario Fortuny y Marsal (1838-1874), who was celebrated for his technical skill in the depiction of Moroccan scenes. For the next few years Dalí continued to explore exotic and opulent themes drawn from the Orientalist tradition of 19th Century painting.

Robert Descharnes has confirmed the authenticity of this gouache.