Lot 120: Felix Ziem Oil Landscape, Les Jardins Francais, Venice

Felix Francois George Philibert Ziem (French, 1821-1911), “Les Jardins Francaise a Venise,” oil on canvas landscape painting depicting gondolas in a Venetian garden on a partly cloudy Autumn day. Signed “Ziem” lower right. White-washed and parcel gilt molded frame with raised Rococo style ornamentation. Sight: 18 in. H  x 29 in. W. Frame: 23 in. H x 35 in. W. Biography: Felix Ziem began his career as an architect in France and studied at the Ecole d’Architecture de Dijon. Once he transitioned to a career in painting, he became an avid traveler, journeying around Europe in search of inspiration. He became best known for his paintings of Venice, and repeatedly returned there. Ziem exhibited at the Paris Salon beginning in 1849. After 1888 his paintings showed the influence of the Barbizon style including a more naturalistic and impressionistic approach. Ziem was made a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor in 1857 and an Officer of that order in 1878.

PROVENANCE: The collection of Hal and Susan Oven, Nashville.

CONDITION: Canvas has been relined. With craquelure and small scattered areas of exfoliation and blistering, especially to sky, and some tiny flakes and inclusions also primarily to sky area. UV light inspection shows a few small areas of retouch to sky, with larger spots in trees and along bank, in gondola, and to right foreground edge. Flake and some varnish irregularities to signature; signature appears original. Grime to varnish layer, particularly visible in the sky.