Orientalist Painting By Francesco Gai - 19th Century

Magnificent orientalist painting depicting a genre scene from the Levant: a seated man, wearing a turban and a traditional waistcoat, offers a bowl to a young girl who serves him a drink. The scene takes place in the shadow of a stone wall, bathed in the warm light typical of the Orient. The artist sensitively captures moments of exchange and daily life, while highlighting traditional costumes and the Mediterranean atmosphere. The painting is signed "Gai" lower right. Oil on paper mounted on canvas. The work is in very good overall condition. Francesco Gai (1835-1917) was an Italian painter from Rome. A student at the Academy of Fine Arts, he specialized in genre painting, historical and orientalist scenes, as well as portraits and architectural views. He traveled extensively in North Africa and the Middle East, bringing back from his stays numerous sketches that would enrich his Orientalist work. His works were exhibited in Rome, Turin and Paris and were a great success with European collectors passionate about Orientalism, a popular artistic movement of the 19th century. His painting is distinguished by its attention to detail, the realistic rendering of costumes and a warm and luminous atmosphere. Dimensions: 30.5/24.5 cm