The Orientalist Sale
Henri Rousseau was a remarkable French painter, whose work continues to captivate art collectors and experts. Born in Laval, France, in 1844, Rousseau's artistic journey was unconventional. He began painting later in life, around the age of forty, and was primarily self-taught. Despite a lack of formal training, Rousseau developed a unique style that set him apart in the art world.
Rousseau's paintings, characterized by their rich colors and detailed depiction of jungle scenes, wild animals, and exotic figures, marked him as the archetype of the modern naïve artist. He regularly exhibited at the Salon des Indépendants from 1886, gaining attention and admiration over time, especially for works like "Tiger in a Tropical Storm (Surprised!)" and "The Sleeping Gypsy". His art was distinctive for its dreamlike quality and its blend of fantasy and reality.
In 1905, Rousseau exhibited "The Hungry Lion Throws Itself on the Antelope" at the Salon des Indépendants, alongside works by avant-garde artists such as Henri Matisse, marking the first showing of The Fauves. This exhibition was a significant moment, as it highlighted Rousseau's influence on and connection with contemporary art movements. His work, particularly his jungle scenes, was a precursor to surrealism, seen in later artists like René Magritte.
Rousseau's art also included suburban landscapes of Paris, offering a tranquil and cultivated view of the city in contrast to the emotionally charged jungles. These works often included modern elements like smokestacks and telephone poles, yet maintained an eerie stillness, making the familiar appear strange.
A notable event in Rousseau's life was the banquet held in his honor by Pablo Picasso in 1908, an event that signified Rousseau's growing recognition and influence in the art world. This gathering was attended by many influential artists and writers of the time.
Rousseau continued to paint until his death in 1910. His final painting, "The Dream", was exhibited in the same year. Today, Rousseau's works are celebrated for their originality and imaginative quality, and can be found in major museums and galleries worldwide.
For art collectors and experts, Rousseau's work represents a unique blend of naïve art and modern artistic movements. His influence on subsequent artists and his distinct style make his paintings a valuable addition to any collection.
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Adam Styka is a French orientalist painter of Polish origin.
Adam Styka, son of the painter Jan Styka, was educated at the French Academy of Fine Arts and, after serving in the French army, became a French citizen. As a result of his annual travels through the French colonies in North Africa, Adam developed an entire genre of Middle Eastern, Oriental and particularly Moroccan subjects. Styka had a talent for conveying the vivid colors and atmosphere of the hot Sahara desert, the moods and life of the people living there. After moving to the United States, Adam Styka began to paint landscapes of the American Wild West and paintings on religious subjects.
Styka often exhibited his paintings in the most prestigious Parisian galleries such as Salon de Paris, Champs Des Elysees and other galleries in Europe and both Americas, where he was always honored with the highest awards.
Gustave Clarence Rodolphe Boulanger was a French painter renowned for his classical and Orientalist themes. He was born in Paris and became an accomplished academic artist, earning accolades such as the Prix de Rome in 1849.
Gustave Boulanger's paintings often focused on historical subjects, with influences from Greek and Roman mythology, as well as Orientalism, particularly Middle Eastern themes. He also depicted scenes of daily life in ancient civilizations and had a knack for blending the ancient with the modern. Notable works by Boulanger include "Répétition théâtrale dans la maison d’un poète romain" (1855), presented at the Salon of 1855, which later inspired the Pompeiian palace inauguration. His style was known for its theatricality and ability to bridge the past with contemporary aesthetics.
Some of his significant works are housed in various museums and galleries, including the British Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Hermitage Museum. Examples of his works include "The Flute Concert," "The Slave Market," and "Theatrical Rehearsal in the House of an Ancient Roman Poet".
Gustave Boulanger also played a role in the cultural landscape of his time, teaching at the Académie Julian, where he influenced a generation of artists. His contributions to art and his ability to capture the spirit of different eras continue to be celebrated by collectors and experts in art and antiques.
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Jean Baptiste Discart was a French painter. He worked mainly in France and the Netherlands.
Jean Baptiste Discart in 1869, he enrolled at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, aged only fourteen. He would study there almost continuously until 1880. His primary professors were Leopold Karl Müller and Anselm Feuerbach. It was there that he first developed an interest in Orientalism.
Frederick Arthur Bridgman was an American artist. He was known for his paintings in the Orientalist style.
Frederick Arthur Bridgman studied art at the Brooklyn Art Association and the National Academy of Design in New York. In 1866 he went to Paris to continue his studies at the École des Beaux-Arts. There he worked in the studio of Jean-Léon Gérôme, who at the time was a leading Orientalist painter. Bridgeman painted scenes of everyday life in the area, as well as historical and religious subjects. His paintings were notable for their vivid colours, attention to detail and dramatic compositions.