Victor-Pierre Huguet

This painting is in overall good condition Under UV light, we can see a few retouches in the sky, notably along the border, other small ones in the mountain, in the vegetation and the wall on the right.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Dès l'âge de 17 ans, Huguet fait un voyage en Egypte, puis en Crimée où il accompagne Durand-Brager avant le siège de Sébastopol. Ces deux voyages le marquent et le tournent vers l'orientalisme. En 1861, il découvre l'Algérie en compagnie de Jules de Magy, et y puise l'inspiration pour de nombreux tableaux. L'influence de Fromentin est perceptible dans les premières oeuvres du jeune peintre, notamment dans le choix des sujets et l'emploi d'une palette sobre. Sa technique évolue ensuite vers l'impressionnisme. Il expose aux Salons de Marseille et de Paris à partir de 1859 et au Salon des Peintres Orientalistes Français à partir de 1895 (Cf. Elisabeth Cazenave, Les artistes de l'Algérie. Dictionnaire des peintres, sculpteurs, graveurs 1830-1962, Paris, 2010, p.280)