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Antique Orientalist street scene oil painting by C. Pata

Creator: Cherubino Pata
Offered by: Mayfair Gallery

Description
Antique Orientalist street scene oil painting by C. Pata
Swiss, 1881
Canvas: Height 55cm, width 46cm
Frame: Height 78cm, width 69cm, depth 8cm

This superb Orientalist painting is by the Italian-Swiss artist Cherubino Pata (1827-1899). Known as the most notable pupil and assistant to Gustave Courbet, this scene is an unusual departure from Pata’s oeuvre, which features mostly natural landscapes. It is a fine work of the Orientalist genre that exemplifies the artist’s technical skill.

The painting is set on an Algerian street, and depicts a merchant and his stall. The seller himself stands behind the counter, and looks directly at the viewer as if encouraging them to buy his wares. He is accompanied by a small child, who sits on a crate at the front of the stall. No additional figures populate the scene, creating a sense of calm and quiet.

The most eye-catching element of the composition is undoubtedly the bright oranges that are on sale. Pata has done well to make them appear enticing: placed centrally, the abundant baskets of glossy fruit stand out against the otherwise neutral palette. Other wares include jewellery, baskets, and urns.

The stall is set within large, white-washed walls. The pavement is similarly pale, but rendered in a gestural impasto which adds texture to the scene. The artist is known for utilising patches of both impasto and flatness for a varied composition, which is used to great effect here.

Ensconced in a carved giltwood frame, the painting is signed to the lower right ‘C. PATA 1881’. The front of the frame features an artist’s label, whilst the reverse is a worn label which indicates the subject: ‘Marchand d’oranges à Alge(rie)’.

The calm atmosphere of this Orientalist scene is a contrast to the bustling street scenes typical of the genre, making this piece a highly desirable and unusual piece for collectors.

Artist/Maker: Cherubino Pata

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	Switzerland
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Oil on canvas, giltwood.
Creation Date:	1881
Styles / Movements:	Other
Dealer Reference #:	17561
Incollect Reference #:	756726

Dimensions

W.	27.17 in;	H.	30.71 in;	D.	3.15 in;
W.	69 cm;	H.	78 cm;	D.	8 cm;

Message from Seller:

Mayfair Gallery is a leading gallery in the field of art and antiques, holding a large collection of unique pieces for sale. The breadth of the gallery’s collection is wide, and includes items from a range of periods, styles and geographical origins, as well as works by famous artists and craftsmen. The main focus of the gallery’s collection is, however, on items produced during the 19th and early 20th century.