Deutsch was born in Vienna in 1855 into a prosperous Jewish family. He trained initially at the Akademie der Bildenden Künste in Vienna, moving to Paris in the mid-1870s to continue his studies. He settled permanently in the French capital in 1880, setting up a studio on Rue le Peletier (where in 1876 the second Impressionist exhibition had been held).

His interest in Orientalist art was sparked by his close friendship with fellow painter Rudolf Ernst, the leader of the second generation of Orientalist painters who favoured depictions of daily life over political and historical subjects. During the 1890s, Deutsch visited Egypt several times, collecting objects such as fabrics, costumes, tiles and weaponry that he would later incorporate into his paintings. He also took numerous photographs to ensure the architectural accuracy of his work, most of which was produced in his Paris studio rather than in situ in north Africa.

Bonhams director of 19th Century European, Victorian and British Impressionist Art Charles O'Brien said: "Deutsch is one of the most keenly sought-after Orientalist painters. He is highly prized for his great attention to detail and almost photographic ability to reproduce textures and surfaces - as the three magnificent paintings in our sale perfectly demonstrate".

The Palace Guard, a work by Deutsch's fellow orientalist Rudolf Ernst, will be offered in Bonhams 19th Century European Paintings Sale in New York on Tuesday 30 April. It is estimated at US$200,000-300,000.