THE HAREM RESTING AT SUNSET WITH CONSTANTINOPLE BEYOND

ECHENA STARTED HIS STUDIES IN BAYONNE AND, APART FROM A FEW YEARS IN SPAIN, SPENT THE REMAINDER OF HIS LIFE IN ROME. HE ARRIVED IN ROME IN 1876 WHEN THE INFLUENCE OF FORTUNY (SEE LOT 9) WAS STILL STRONGLY FELT.
WHEN ECHENA TURNED TO ORIENTALISM, HE CONCENTRATED ON EVERYDAY LIFE.
HAREM SCENES WERE AMONGST HIS FAVOURITE AND HE OFTEN DEPICTED WOMEN RELAXING ON A TERRACE DECORATED WITH PLANTS AND FLOWERS, LISTENING TO MUSIC AND DANCING.