Born near Boston, Weeks began his artistic career in 1869 with a sketching trip to Florida and South America. He later studied in Paris where he became interested in an Oriental subject matter. With numerous trips throughout the Mediterranean and Morocco, his paintings became more technical and detailed.

Market at Granada, 1880 served as a study for the larger painting executed in 1880, titled A Fruit Market, Granada. It is an architectural study painted in a highly detailed manner with decorative arches, pilasters, balconies, and balustrades. The dark shadow cast on the street contrasts beautifully with the sunlit areas on the buildings.