By Corrodi, Hermann David Salomon (Italian, 1844-1905)
This Orientalist painting of an Egyptian landscape is immaculately rendered, casting a warm sunset over the banks of the River Nile.
Questions about this piece?
This stunning oil painting by the Italian artist Hermann Corrodi (1844-1905) depicts a vista of the bank of the Nile, illuminated by a remarkable sunset.
The scene is wonderfully split between urbanity and rurality, with the figures and buildings contrasted by the expansive sky and river. In the fore- and middle grounds, groups of figures and animals can be seen engaged in various activities, collecting water from the river or resting by the bankside. Each figure is dressed in typical Orientalist robes and turbans, and the bright colours provide a pleasant contrast against the warm wash of the evening light. Several indistinct temples and buildings can be seen in the middle ground, almost blending into their surroundings. Glimpses of the famed Pyramids of Giza can be seen in the righthand background, reminding the viewer of the Egyptian setting.
The painting is rendered with superb technique, with a great deal of attention paid to even the smallest details, such as the textures of the trees in the background. The artist’s handling of light is particularly impressive. A dwindling sunset effect is created via the swathes of pink and orange against the horizon, which fade into paler blues as the sky ascends. Wisps of orange clouds are dotted around the sky, adding further realism to the scene. The sunset hues are also reflected in the calm water below, making this extraordinary sunset the focal point of the painting.
Ensconced in a beautifully carved giltwood frame, the canvas is signed in the lower left 'H. Corrodi. Roma'. Heralding from Rome, Hermann Corrodi studied at the Academy of St Luke, and later in Paris. He was a well-known painter of History and Orientalist scenes, inspired by his frequent travels to the Middle East. During his lifetime his work was popular with royal clientele, including Queen Victoria, and is now housed in important collections around the world.
Notable for its superb handling of the evening light, this exceptional landscape would be sure to bring the beauty of 19th century Egypt into any modern interior.
Canvas: Height 66cm, width 126m
Frame: Height 98cm, width 158cm, depth 7cm
Reference:
17577
This item qualifies for free international shipping, inclusive of professional packing and insurance.
Terms and conditions apply.
