Lot 1380 Dα

Felix Ziem was not only one of the wealthiest and most successful artists in 19th century France, but also the first to have his works enter the collection of the Louvre during his lifetime. Ziem was born in Beaune in Burgundy. His mother was French and his father Croatian. He first studied architecture before devoting himself entirely to painting and travel. Views of Istanbul and Venice became his characteristic motifs. In these works, the city and the water often appear to blend into each other in vividly glowing colours. He had a kind of proto-Impressionist fascination with changes in light throughout the day. This view of Istanbul depicts a sunset over the Bosporus, with the Hagia Sophia rising up from the evening mist. A veduta in the Petit Palais in Paris depicts a similar view, also at sunset.

David Pluskwa and Mathias Ary-Jan on behalf of the Association Félix Ziem confirmed the authenticity of this work on 1.2.2018. The painting is to be included in the forthcoming supplement to the catalogue raisonné.