Henri Duvieux, born in 1855 - View of Constantinople

Oil on canvas "View of Constantinople
Dimensions H. 35cm x W. 65cm
Dimensions with frame : H. 61cm x W. 91cm

Henri Duvieux was born in Paris in 1855. Unfortunately, there is very little information about the life and training of this artist. We know that he exhibited at the Paris Salon at the age of 24, which is often a sign of great talent. A very good Orientalist of the late 19th century, Henri Duvieux excelled in his representations of Venice and Constantinople. He developed a drawing technique that experts recognize among all, based on a structured construction, and which is close to architectural drawing. His painting is made of small touches of warm colors with which he gives life to animated scenes on the Lagoon or the Bosphorus, and where the effects of the sun play an essential role.
Many French and European painters are known to have imitated, with varying degrees of skill, the great artist Felix Ziem who was the specialist of Venice and Constantinople from 1860 to 1910. But Duvieux is not a simple imitator. His style is very particular, his compositions are his own. Contrary to many followers, Duvieux's touch is quick, precise and lively. If Ziem is the Canaletto of impressionism, Duvieux is the Guardi of the Second Empire.

Our painting is of a relatively large size for an artist used to small formats. This view of the Bosphorus is particularly well composed with a beautiful sunburst effect that leads the perspective to the center of the canvas. As usual, Duvieux has proceeded with small touches in lines, with transparencies proper to Impressionism. The painting is on its original canvas, in perfect condition.

Works by Duvieux are present in several museums: Avignon, Château-Thierry, Reims, etc...