The Aqueduct
William Sartain, The Aqueduct, last quarter of 19th century, oil on canvas, Gift of the children of Mrs. C.H. Lewis, public domain, 20.2
This work is not currently on view.
- Title
The Aqueduct
- Artist
- Date
last quarter of 19th century
- Medium
oil on canvas
- Dimensions (H x W x D)
32 in x 40 in
- Inscriptions & Markings
signature: W. Sartain, lower right
- Collection Area
American Art
- Category
Paintings
- Object Type
painting
- Culture
American
- Credit Line
Gift of the children of Mrs. C.H. Lewis
- Accession Number
20.2
- Copyright
public domain
- Terms
From 1867 to 1877, Philadelphia-based artist William Sartain traveled abroad and studied in the atelier, or studio, of Léon Bonnat (French, 1833–1922). Sartain, like many of his contemporaries in the nineteenth century, was drawn to exotic locations and non-European cultures that were perceived as exciting and mysterious.
The Aqueduct is probably based on studies made from five months Sartain spent in Algiers sketching and collecting costumes and props. In this work, the form of the aqueduct and the clump of dark trees, balanced by the solitary hooded figure, create a haunting and exotic atmosphere.
- Exhibitions
1998 The Other Nineteenth Century Portland Art Museum