Late 19th Century

About the Artwork

This painting was inspired by Weeks' extensive travels in India, a journey that ignited his imagination and artistic expression. As an artist, Weeks was deeply influenced by the vibrant life and rich traditions he encountered and sought to convey this through his work. Dancing Girl, India not only captures a moment in time but also serves as a bridge connecting Western viewers to Eastern cultural aesthetics. The work is a testament to Weeks' unique place in the Orientalist movement, as he celebrated the beauty and traditions of the East while also asserting his own artistic identity. Following his death, the painting became part of his estate, emphasizing its lasting importance in Weeks' overall œuvre.

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Did You Know

Weeks was not only an artist but also an adventurer who traveled extensively through India, Morocco, and the Middle East, allowing him to draw directly from the culture and scenery he encountered, which profoundly influenced his artwork.
The painting Dancing Girl, India was sold as part of Weeks’ estate at auction at American Art Galleries in New York in 1905, marking its important place in the art market following the artist’s death.
Edwin Lord Weeks was instructed by renowned teachers Jean-Léon Gérôme and Léon Bonnat, influential artists who shaped his detailed, realistic style, which is vividly showcased in works like Dancing Girl, India.

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