1975 - Wilhelm Gentz (1822, Neuruppin – 1890, Berlin)

Wilhelm Gentz (1822, Neuruppin – 1890, Berlin) Studies from North Africa This collection of prints features a variety of highly lifelike, situational figure studies from North Africa by the famous Orientalist painter Wilhelm Gentz, who received his artistic training at the Berlin Academy of Arts, in Antwerp, and in Paris, studying under Thomas Couture, among others. Trips to Spain, Morocco, Nubia, Syria, and Palestine fueled his fascination with the Orient and soon established him as one of the great Orientalist painters of the 19th century. Egypt, in particular, was among his favorite travel destinations. His subjects included caravans, Bedouin camps, market scenes, coffeehouses, and, time and again, the people of the African continent with their expressive faces and exotic garments. His idealized depictions of the Orient are always based on a wealth of detailed studies from life and live models. Oil on canvas; inscribed on the reverse by another hand: "Studies by W. Gentz—Berlin (Estate) from North Africa (ca. 1873)." Mat cutout 32.5 cm x 45.5 cm. Framed. Oil on canvas. Inscribed.