Early 20th-century, North African Genre Scene, the Carpet Merchant - Vintage Oil Painting

1920 - 1940

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

This early 20th-century oil painting depicts a North African carpet merchant within an interior.

It’s fascinating when a painting alludes to more than simply a visual representation. Here, within this ancient structure, high walls are adorned with the vibrant colours of exquisitely-made carpets. The bounteous array of tones contrasting with the white stone of antiquity. But can you imagine the sounds? The fervent bartering and vigorous explanations?

For centuries, dealers have emphasised the labour-intensive skill required to produce such pieces. While buyers are keen to reduce the price. Here, the artist is painting from life, perhaps standing with an easel or sitting on steps. Attempting to capture this age-old dance in all its splendour.

Stylistically, it feels French, but they probably hailed from Germany, perhaps training in France. Artists often travelled to Morocco, Tunisia or Egypt on study trips, a journey made popular by the ‘orientalists’ of the 19th century.

Signed illegibly lower right and held within a later frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 24½” x 18½” / 62cm x 47cm

Year of creation: c. 1940

Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.

Physical Dimensions

Height

47cm (18.50")

Width

62cm (24.41")

Depth

4cm (1.57")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1940s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA962505

Description

This early 20th-century oil painting depicts a North African carpet merchant within an interior.

It’s fascinating when a painting alludes to more than simply a visual representation.

“

Here, within this ancient structure, high walls are adorned with the vibrant colours of exquisitely-made carpets.

Brave Fine Art

The bounteous array of tones contrasting with the white stone of antiquity. But can you imagine the sounds? The fervent bartering and vigorous explanations?

fig 1. Early 20th-Century, North African Genre Scene, The Carpet Merchant - Vintage Oil Painting — fig 1. Early 20th-century, North African Genre Scene, the Carpet Merchant - Vintage Oil Painting

For centuries, dealers have emphasised the labour-intensive skill required to produce such pieces. While buyers are keen to reduce the price. Here, the artist is painting from life, perhaps standing with an easel or sitting on steps. Attempting to capture this age-old dance in all its splendour.

fig 2. Early 20th-Century, North African Genre Scene, The Carpet Merchant - Vintage Oil Painting — fig 2. Early 20th-century, North African Genre Scene, the Carpet Merchant - Vintage Oil Painting

Stylistically, it feels French, but they probably hailed from Germany, perhaps training in France. Artists often travelled to Morocco, Tunisia or Egypt on study trips, a journey made popular by the ‘orientalists’ of the 19th century.