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拍品專文
This picture was executed circa 1882 during the artist's first expedition to India, during which he painted a significant number of paintings and sketches in and around Ahmedabad. It is a preparatory work for a larger picture by the artist which depicts the rajah's pleasure boat. (See Meredith Ward, ed., Adventure & Inspiration: American Artists in Other Lands, (exhibition catalogue), Hirschl & Adler Galleries, Inc., New York, 1988, pp. 8809, no. 5). In the catalogue for the sale of the artist's estate held by his widow, the picture is titled 'Palace and Lake at Sarkeh, near Ahmedabad, India' and described as an 'elaborate summer palace formerly used by one of the old kings, but now rapidly falling into ruins. The old mango trees behind form a fine contrast to the blue water and light buildings.' Weeks has used the term 'palace' to refer to this view. It does in fact show the mausoleum complex at Sarkhej, located on the opposite corner of the lake from the palace, with the Tomb of Mahmood Beghurra and his Sons on the right and the Tomb of Beebee Rajbaee, his Queen on the left. Begurra excavated the 'lake' (actually a vast tank) and built a palace, a mosque, and the tombs for himself and his family.
Weeks was the most famous American Orientalist painter in the Paris expatriate community of academic artists of the late 19th century. He travelled to Morocco, the Middle East and Persia and intrepidly ventured into India on three lengthy expeditions. On these trips, he frequently completed (or began) paintings in situ, despite the rigours of travel and climate. Having first shown at the Paris Salon in 1878, Weeks ultimately attained in 1896, the highest distinction in the academic painter's world, the Salon's award of the Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur, and his work was exhibited and won awards across Europe and America from 1876 to 1904. Weeks also achieved distinction as a travel writer; American magazines carried Weeks' vivid narratives of his exotic travels, illustrated with his own sketches, rendered in oils en grisaille. Many of these narratives were compiled at the height of his fame in 1903, Weeks died suddenly and mysteriously at home in Paris at the age of fifty-four. Two years later, his widow arranged a sale in New York of Weeks' remaining oeuvre, from small sketches to monumental canvases, in a three-day auction so remarkable that it received front-page coverage in New York.
This work will be included in the catalogue raisonné being prepared by Dr. Ellen. K. Morris. We are grateful for Dr. Morris for her help in preparing this catalogue entry.
Weeks was the most famous American Orientalist painter in the Paris expatriate community of academic artists of the late 19th century. He travelled to Morocco, the Middle East and Persia and intrepidly ventured into India on three lengthy expeditions. On these trips, he frequently completed (or began) paintings in situ, despite the rigours of travel and climate. Having first shown at the Paris Salon in 1878, Weeks ultimately attained in 1896, the highest distinction in the academic painter's world, the Salon's award of the Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur, and his work was exhibited and won awards across Europe and America from 1876 to 1904. Weeks also achieved distinction as a travel writer; American magazines carried Weeks' vivid narratives of his exotic travels, illustrated with his own sketches, rendered in oils en grisaille. Many of these narratives were compiled at the height of his fame in 1903, Weeks died suddenly and mysteriously at home in Paris at the age of fifty-four. Two years later, his widow arranged a sale in New York of Weeks' remaining oeuvre, from small sketches to monumental canvases, in a three-day auction so remarkable that it received front-page coverage in New York.
This work will be included in the catalogue raisonné being prepared by Dr. Ellen. K. Morris. We are grateful for Dr. Morris for her help in preparing this catalogue entry.