Alberto Pasini, “il Cairo” (cairo), Watercolor On Paper, 19th Century

Alberto Pasini, “Il Cairo” (Cairo), watercolor on paper, 19th century

Alberto Pasini (Busseto, 1826 – Cavoretto, 1899) Orientalist view Watercolor on paper mounted on cardboard, mounted on board Dimensions: In frame H 51 x W 58 / 31 x 36.5 cm

Signed lower left

Provenance: Galleria d'Arte Cristallo, Branduardi, Rapallo Buzzi Collection, Milan

This refined Orientalist watercolor by Alberto Pasini, one of the greatest interpreters of 19th-century Italian exoticism, depicts a lively urban scene in a Middle Eastern market.

The extremely careful composition highlights the artist's interest in warm light and the meticulous rendering of architectural details, costumes, and local atmospheres.

On the left, buildings with facades decorated with mashrabiya (typical Arab wooden balconies) can be seen, while an elegant minaret stands out in the background, accentuating the depth of perspective. In the foreground, the swarm of figures—merchants, camel drivers, passersby—conveys a vivid and pulsating image of the city.

The work fully reflects Pasini's pictorial style, known for its ability to combine graphic precision with a romantic and adventurous vision of the Orient. This museum-quality work is an excellent example of Orientalist painting, but also a valuable document of 19th-century European taste and visual culture.