Felix Ziem - "A La Fontaine"
MASTER OF LIGHT AND COLUR FELIX ZIEM...
A master of light and color, Ziem was deeply impressed by the city’s unique silhouette—its domes, minarets, and shimmering waters—during his first visit to Istanbul (then known as Constantinople) in the 1850s. Ziem’s Orientalist works of Bosphorus and Golden Horn landscapes are among his most sought-after paintings with their romantic narrative, rich color palette, and dynamic compositions. These works, which blend realistic topographical details with a dreamlike atmosphere, are a powerful reflection of the artist’s admiration for the East and his unique perspective.
Félix Ziem’s “A La Fontaine,” which is up for auction, takes us to the serene shores of the Golden Horn. Here, the figures (some on horseback, others in conversation) stand next to an Ottoman fountain filled with intricate details. The domed skyline and distant minarets evoke the skyline of ancient Constantinople, while the interplay of dappled light, trees, and architecture creates a rich atmosphere that is both serene and majestic. Rendered with Ziem’s characteristically fluid brushstrokes and warm, earthy palette, the painting captures the romantic essence of the East that fascinated 19th-century European artists.
Oil on canvas
69 x 54 cm
signed
Provanance: S. E. Collection
Estimate: 600.000 TL - 800.000 TL
Starting Bid: 400,000 TL
