Kebab Merchants of Scutari in 1858

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Before the invention of photography, the artists recorded their impressions of travel in watercolor. John Frederick Lewis was initially one of them, then he became a pioneer of Orientalist art which he released from the heroic aspect to better interpret the picturesque.

He made long stays in the Middle East. During his returns to London, he exhibited at the Royal Academy the paintings he had created from his travel sketches. This was the case of "the Kibab (Kebab) Shop, Scutari," an oil on panel 53 x 79 cm, which was admired by John Ruskin when he displayed it in 1858.

This scene of life in the Middle East is remarkable in its details that recreate an intense life. The characters are seen in close-ups, quietly engaged in their business. The shop is very realistic, and Chinese import plates add a surprising touch of truth. It opens up entirely on the street animated by pigeons, two goats, a dog.

Sotheby's estimates this work at $ 1.5 million and is selling it in New York on April 24.

On 15 June 2005 in London, Christie's went close to £ 2.5 million including expenses for a midday meal in Cairo. This oil on canvas, bigger, with more characters, was the last work of Lewis (1875). Personally, I prefer the Kibabs Store, which I find more intimate and passionate ... and is an important milestone in Orientalist art

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

The price obtained, $ 3.4 million including expenses, paid tribute to the quality and earliness of the artwork. Forget the estimate, which was too low.