By Marilhat, Prosper (French, 1811-1847)
This stunning Orientalist landscape is by the French artist Prosper Marilhat (1811-1847), whose works can be found in multiple notable collections.
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Set in a captivating landscape expanse, this Orientalist painting brings together natural and figurative elements in an effortless blend.
The location of the landscape is likely Egypt, since the artist was known to have spent multiple years there sketching studies for future works. The viewer’s attention is drawn to the right-hand side of the canvas, where the landscape is punctuated by tall palm trees that glow in the evening sunlight. In front of the trees stand several Arab figures, who sit atop large camels or guide them to rest beneath the trees. The left side of the composition, by contrast, is a rugged rural landscape, populated by small temples and rocky mountains. Particularly exceptional details include the pair of birds, one of whom rests on the palm tree whilst the other gracefully flies towards it. The crescent moon in the top right corner is also a lovely touch, highlighting the oncoming transition into the night.
The painting is beautifully rendered, with a sketched quality that anticipates the impending Impressionist movement. The use of light is also particularly impressive, with the artist rendering a graduated sky that ascends from dusky purple clouds to deep blue night.
The painting is signed in the lower right corner ‘P. Marilhat’. The French artist Prosper Marilhat (1811-1847) was an Orientalist painter, who was greatly inspired by his time spent in Egypt between 1831 and 1832. The sketches made on this trip went on to form the basis for some of the artist’s most successful works, which are now housed in important museums such as The Wallace Collection. This sensitive landscape rendering is typical of his oeuvre.
The painting is ensconced in an ornately carved giltwood frame. The back of the canvas is imprinted with a ‘Durand-Ruel, Paris’ stamp, suggesting that the work was likely sold via the renowned Durand-Ruel dealership, that went on to be taken over by the famous Impressionist art dealer Paul Durand-Ruel.
By a significant maker, this stunning landscape would suit both a contemporary and a traditional interior.
Canvas: Height 34cm, width 63cm
Frame: Height 52cm, width 81cm
Reference:
17558
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