This evocative orientalist oil painting captures the vibrant atmosphere of a North African marketplace in the early 1900s. The painting depicts a street with a perspective toward a tall mosque dome and a striped minaret, rising against the background of a bright blue sky, framed by snow-white buildings. In the opening of an ancient arch we see some event occurring with a large gathering of people and horsemen. In the foreground, sparse figures of townspeople in traditional clothing slightly enliven the deserted marketplace, where under canopies merchants trade their goods. This work was probably created by an unidentified French artist during his journey through the cities of North Africa. On the reverse of the painting is a handwritten inscription of the previous owner of the painting, indicating the purchase of this painting in Paris, in 1948, for 85 kronor, which at that time was a quite significant sum.
DETAILS:
Artist: Probably by an unidentified French artist.
Medium: Oil painting on canvas was mounted on pressed paperboard.
Image dimensions (approx.): 44.5 x 37 cm (17.5 × 14.6 inches)
Condition: Overall in good condition with age-related wear; minor paint losses in the shaded area visible. It was likely restored in the second half of the 20th century: a few tears were patched, retouching was done.
Framed dimensions (approx.): 58.5 x 51 cm (23 × 20.1 inches)
Frame: Overall in satisfactory condition, minor losses and age-related wear.
Provenance: Swedish private collection.
Shipping: Approx. weight 2.3 kg; packed approx. weight 4 kg. Secure, insured worldwide shipping available.
Notes: Please refer to the high-resolution photographs that form part of the condition report. Colors and tonal values may vary when viewed in person, depending on viewing conditions and ambient lighting.