William Bouguereauis unquestionably one of history's greatest artistic geniuses. In the 1870s, Bouguereau painted a small number of Orientalist works of which the present lot is arguably the most sophisticated example. Having already made a name for himself with his poignant portraits of the French peasantry, Bouguereau began experimenting with Eastern subjects in 1870 with Jeune fille orientale. Bouguereau's careful attention to the young woman's gleaming jewelry, intricate vest, delicately tied sash and draped fabrics, shows the artist reveling in the possibilities offered by this new foreign subject.He wasn't just the best ever at painting fine details,more importantly, he captured the tender and subtlest nuances of personality and mood. Yet, it would be another five years before Bouguereau returned to painting the East with L'Orientale à la grenade. In this later work, Bouguereau eliminated all contextual details and instead focused just on the figure of what is most likely an Egyptian girl. The girl's intended ethnicity is suggested only by her elaborate silver jewel.
'L'ORIENTALE À LA GRENADE' (GIRL WITH A POMEGRANATE)
23 1/2 by 18 in. 59.6 by 45.7 cm
SOLD. 2,322,500 USD (Hammer Price with Buyer's Premium)
Earlier this year, L'Orientale à la Grenade(1875), a portrait of a turbaned young woman with a pomegranate—
an Orientalist subject likely inspired by artifacts and second-hand
reports, since the artist never traveled to the Middle East—sold for
$2.3 million,considerably more than its $700,000 pre-sale high estimate.The
picture was once in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago
(from 1900 to 1907) and most recently exhibitedatPortland, OR Art Museum.
It
is that time of year which is revered by the antiques aficionado to
sail into a world of elegance where old objects are never passé. This
season, antiques take center stage with an exciting line-up of
prestigious shows across the nation. The events are quite fascinating. I
think designers and collectors alike are enthralled not only by the
exceptional quality works of art but also for acquiring knowledge to better
know the things they love.
NEW YORK—The International Fine Art and Antique Dealers Show opens to the public October 19-24, 2012 at the Park Avenue Armory at 67th Street, New York. Preview party October 18 benefitting The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Collectors, designers, or those just interested in acquiring the relics of a bygone era, can view and buy the treasured finds displayed by distinguished antiques dealers. All works are for sale under the strictest vetting conditions. Opening Hours: Friday, 19th October:11am - 7.30pm Admission: $20 (Tickets available at the door).
Address: The Park Avenue Armory Park Avenue at 67th Street New York, NY USA
SAN FRANCISCO—The San Francisco Fall Antiques Show opens to the public October 25-28, 2012 at the Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco. Preview party benefit gala, October 24 benefitting Enterprise for High School Students.
Opening Hours: Thursday - Saturday 10:30 am - 7pm Sunday - Noon to 5 pm Admission: $15 (Tickets available at the door).
Location
Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center Fort Mason Center is located in the beautiful Marina district, between Fisherman's Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge on San Francisco Bay. The entrance to Fort Mason Center is at the intersection of Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street. A former military base, this National Historic Landmark is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and, therefore, has no street address.
ANOTHER SHOW NOT TO BE MISSED...
49th Annual Delaware Antiques Show
DELAWARE—Delaware Antiques Show
opens to the public November 9-11, 2012 at the Chase Center on the Riverfront, Wilmington, Delaware. Opening party November 8, benefiting Educational Programming at Winterthur. Join Keynote speaker Carolyne Roehm, one of America's most important tastemakers, known for her extraordinary contributions to interior design, fashion, and entertaining.
New to Collecting?
The Delaware Antiques Show provides a wonderful learning environment for those who are new to collecting as well as for antiques experts. Look for "Find!" signs that highlight objects of special interest and value. The dealers are always open to answering questions and providing information.
