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Lot Essay
Alberto Pasini is considered one of the most important Italian Orientalist painters. The artist studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Parma before moving to Paris in 1851. It was there that he befriended other artists such as Eugène Fromentin, Jules Dupré and Théodore Rousseau.
From 1855, Pasini undertook numerous trips to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, the Persian Gulf and Teheran. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Pasini aimed to bring to life the light and enchantment that he experienced there instead of creating dramatic narratives. He was an impressive draughtsman and had a great sensitivity to colour. By 1870, Pasini's reputation as one of the greatest Orientalist painters was assured; he had won numerous gold medals, successfully exhibited at the Salon, participated in the Exposition universelle and the Venice Biennale, and was awarded the Legion of Honor.
Using an almost photographic realism, Pasini assembled this composition from numerous preparatory drawings. His concentration on architecture, leaving little room for sky, is typical.
From 1855, Pasini undertook numerous trips to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, the Persian Gulf and Teheran. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Pasini aimed to bring to life the light and enchantment that he experienced there instead of creating dramatic narratives. He was an impressive draughtsman and had a great sensitivity to colour. By 1870, Pasini's reputation as one of the greatest Orientalist painters was assured; he had won numerous gold medals, successfully exhibited at the Salon, participated in the Exposition universelle and the Venice Biennale, and was awarded the Legion of Honor.
Using an almost photographic realism, Pasini assembled this composition from numerous preparatory drawings. His concentration on architecture, leaving little room for sky, is typical.