Ludwig Hans Fischer, Street in Colombo (1889): The Friday Find

At the bottom of the frame, there is a tantalising label which reads 'Property of His Excellency Herr…'.  Although the section bearing the name is missing, the inscription on the back reads: From the Collection of His Excellency Count Lanckoroński, Vienna. 

 

This is some name. Count Karol Lanckoroński (1848-1833) was one of the most prominent art collectors, patrons, and cultural figures in late 19th-century Vienna. He was incredibly wealthy, a close friend to many contemporary artists, and built a vast private collection housed in his famous neo-baroque palace (Palais Lanckoroński) in Vienna.

In 1888-89, Fischer accompanied Lanckoroński on a grand tour of Asia. They set sail from Marseilles in December 1888, through the Suez Canal, landing in Sri Lanka in early 1889, before journeying extensively throughout India, including Mumbai, Agra and Lahore. Fischer painted a great deal on the trip, much of his work painted in situ, en plein air.

 

Twenty-six of Fischer's Indian paintings were exhibited at the 1895 Empire of India Exhibition in London, one of which was titled 'Street in Colombo'.  The Empire label is not present on the back of the work, so we can only speculate as to whether this is the same painting.

 

That painting in the exhibition was listed as belonging to Fischer, so it may be another view with the same title, or perhaps Lanckoroński' bought the work from the London exhibition. We cannot be sure.