Lot 105

Previous image preload Next image preload

GEORGES WASHINGTON (1827-1910) CAVALIERS ARABES ARAB HORSEMEN Huile sur toile, signée en bas à gauche. DIM. 135 X 99 cm (53.1 X 39 in.)

    Notes:
  • De son vrai nom Georges Besse, le Marseillais Georges Washington s'installe à Paris pour étudier la peinture dans l'atelier de François Picot. Comme son beau-père d'Henri Philippoteaux, il se destinait à illustrer l'histoire et les grandes batailles. Cependant un voyage en Algérie va modifier le cours de sa carrière. Il va désormais se consacrer à la peinture orientaliste, mais les thèmes et motifs qu'il illustrera, cavaliers, étendards ne sont pas sans rappeler sa vocation première. Ses œuvres ont figuré dans de nombreux Salons, et un hommage lui fut rendu en 1906 lors de l'exposition coloniale de Marseille où il exposa quatre peintures. Cet exceptionnel tableau nous montre la maestria de Washington à l'apogée de sa carrière. Bien que non daté, on peut estimer que cette œuvre a été exécutée dans les années 1860, et sa taille nous laisse penser qu'il s'agit probablement d'un tableau de Salon. Washington nous montre deux cavaliers, porte-étendards lourdement armés. Leur marche est arrêtée par la vision d'une troupe ennemie s'avançant. Le mouvement de recul des deux cavaliers, le blocage des chevaux, les étendards enchevêtrés sont magnifiquement rendus par l'artiste. Le réalisme de la scène est tel que l'on a l'impression de participer à ce mouvement de recul. La palette est riche, et le fez rouge entouré de blanc du cavalier de gauche est le point d'ancrage du tableau, lui donnant un équilibre parfait. His real name was Georges Besse. Originally from Marseille, Georges Washington moved to Paris in order to study painting in the atelier of François Picot. Like his brother-in-law Henri Philippoteaux, he was destined to illustrate the history of the grand battles. Unknonwst to him at the time, this destiny depended on a voyage he later made to Algeria, one that forever changed the course of his carrier and subsequently established him as an Orientalist painter. His themes and subjects, however, still represented those of warriors, as to not drift too far from his initial desires. Washington's works were presented in numerous Salons, and in 1906, homage was made during the colonial exhibition of Marseille in which he exhibited four paintings. This exceptional painting shows the mastery of Washington at the height of his career. Even though not dated, we can estimate that this work was completed in the 1860, and furthermore, its impressive size makes us believe that it was probably to be exhibited at the Salon. Washington depicts two warriors carrying heavy arms, stopped in mid march by an advancing army troop. The warriors are backtracking, their horses visibly on hinds end with their tangled weapons magnificently rendered by the artist. The realism of this scene is such that one feels he is taken into the warriors'movement. The palette is rich, and the red "fez" cap covering the warrior to the left gives him a perfect balance.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

The import and export of goods may be subject to authorisation (export certificates, customs authorisations). It is the buyer's responsability to check which authorisations are required.

The buyer may not take receipt of any lot until such time as he/she has paid all amounts due in full delivery of the goods.
In the event of a payment by cheque or bank transfer, delivery of the goods may be deferred until such time as the payment has cleared.
In this case, storage costs shall be borne by the buyer and TAJAN shall incur no liability whatsoever in this respect.

November 20, 2012 2:30 PM CET
Paris, France

Tajan

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 23% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
0 € 499 € 50 €
500 € 999 € 100 €
1 000 € 1 999 € 100 €
2 000 € 4 999 € 200 €
5 000 € 9 999 € 200 €
10 000 € 19 999 € 500 €
20 000 € 49 999 € 1 000 €
50 000 € 99 999 € 2 000 €
100 000 € + 5 000 €