Study for "The Hindu Snake Charmer". Oil on canvas, not signed and attributed, not framed. This fairly completed painting appears to be done as a working study for the masterpiece of 1869. Interestingly, the canvas has a seam running across the top from edge to edge; the artist probably used a piece of cloth that was available in order to work through changes he wished to make in the finished piece. The finished piece is in the Walter's Art Gallery in Baltimore. Another version of this subject is found in the Hermitage in Leningrad. (Reference: page 141 of Les Orientalistes de e'cecole Italianne by Caroline Juler; the painting in Baltimore). Measures apprx 10-1/2"H x 24-3/4"W.
Many interesting changes have been made from the study to the finished work. Note the change in the position of the serpent; the hare the snake encircles in the study has been deleted and the rearing head is more accentuated in the final piece. Colors and details have been adjusted; and encampment in the background has been added; the seated man holds a rifle instead of a lute among other changes.
6,000/8,000 Sold $4,600.00
back to catalog
