Gouache Orientalist Amedeo Preziosi Ottoman Women Mosque Istanbul XIXth

Orientalist watercolor enhanced with gouache depicting a lively view of several Ottoman women with their children chatting, most likely gathered around a mosque entrance (perhaps the New Yeni Cami Mosque in Constantinople - Istanbul), signed by the Maltese painter Amedeo Preziosi*, from the 19th century. This gouache is in good condition, it is under glass. Signed lower right. This gouache comes from the Bigot-Serres family. It is most likely a work purchased at the time during trips to Istanbul from the painter in question by Jacques Bigot. We are putting a 2nd gouache by this artist up for sale on this site. Please note: slight wear and tear, see photos. Georges Serres (1842-1924), son of Georges Serres, married Marie Bigot (daughter of Jacques Bigot). They had two children together: Henri (father of Marie-Christine Serres) and Jacques (Colonel), father of Bernard, Philippe, Christian and Jean-Dominique. The paintings presented are annotated on the back by the descendants (in particular Bernard Serres). * Amedeo Preziosi (1816-1882). Born in Valletta in Malta, son of Count Gio Francesco Preziosi and Margherita née Reynaud-Carcas, Amadeo's family, originally pirates, settled in Malta towards the end of the 17th century and was ennobled by King Amadeo of Sicily in 1718. Amadeo, fifth Count Preziosi, was sent to study law, but he was more interested in art and began his art studies with Giuseppe Hyzler, a follower of the Nazarene school. In his early twenties he went to Paris, where he probably imbibed some of the prevailing artistic tastes of the day while attending the École des Beaux-Arts. After a brief return trip to Malta, in June 1841 Preziosi embarked on a voyage of exploration to Constantinople, the capital of the Ottoman Empire, returning a year later. In September 1842 he set out again for Constantinople, where he set up a studio in the Pera district. He married and had three daughters and a son. His studio became a favourite haunt of travellers, and visitors included Edward VII, the Prince of Wales and King Carol of Romania. Preziosi is considered one of the most famous watercolourists of the 19th century. His name, though little mentioned in local art history, was widely known in the Orient. In Paris, Preziosi was already hailed as "a great Italian painter" of French origin, while on the Bosphorus itself, the Turks considered him their "own". Preziosi owes his fame to the publication of two portfolios: Stamboul: Souvenirs d'Orient (1859) and Souvenirs du Caire (1862). One illustrates various aspects of city life, while the other illustrates slave traders, beggars and hashish traffickers. In September 1882, Preziosi accidentally shot himself in the head and is buried in the cemetery of San Stefano in Tosilbey, Turkey. Artist highly rated on ArtPrice. Dimensions Frame 40.5 cm x 31.5 cm window 27.5 cm x 19 cm Reference: 910 373 All photos are on: www.antiques-delaval.com