On The Shelves - "The Orientalists"

Here's the start to a new section of my Blog. Each week I will post a book from my shelves or a book I would like to add to my shelves. I'm starting with "The Orientalists" by Kirsten Davies. One of my all time favorite books. I first pick up this gem on a trip to NY back in 2005. I think it was at the Met. There are dozens of artists in this book that I guarantee you have never heard of, and are all amazing! Among some of them: Jean-Leon Gerome, Edwin Lord Weeks, Frederick Arthur Bridgman, Charles Bargue, and many more. The book is out of print, but you can still find used copies for around $60-$70, but not for much longer.

Those of you who know me, know I'm a huge fan of the Orientalists paintings. I collect almost every book I can find on them. I even went as far as doing a master study from one. I chose to do "Arab Merchant Among His Antiques" by Charles Bargue. I've always loved that painting and learned quite a bit from copying it. The original by Charles Bargue is only 13" x 9.5", which is WAY too small for me to try and copy. The copy I did is twice the size at 24" x 18" and is hanging at The Watts Atelier. I don't know where the original is. If anyone finds out, please let me know, I'd love to see it in person.


Study after Charles Bargue , oil on masonite