Large Orientalist oil painting of the Nile at sunrise by Conrad Peter Schreiber

Very large Orientalist oil painting of the Nile at sunrise by Conrad Peter Schreiber
German, Late 19th Century
Canvas: Height 65cm, width 144cm
Frame: Height 90cm, width 168cm, depth 6cm
 
Executed by Conrad Peter Schreiber (German, 1816–1894), this impressive oil-on-canvas showcases the artist’s exceptional skill in Orientalist landscapes. Educated in Nuremberg and enriched by extensive travels, Schreiber became renowned for his atmospheric treatment of light and his evocative portrayals of distant, exotic scenes. His paintings frequently strike a harmonious balance between monumental grandeur and quiet intimacy, particularly in the gentle luminosity of early morning.
 
The painting portrays the iconic pyramids basking in the warm glow of dawn, their monumental forms mirrored by the calm Nile in the foreground. Figures stroll among palm groves, bringing scale, life, and narrative depth to the scene. Schreiber’s skilful use of colour and light is apparent: gentle pinks and golds suffuse the sky and reflect on the water, offset by cooler greens and blues in the surrounding landscape. The luminous morning atmosphere, subtle reflections, and tranquil human presence create a compelling sense of both serenity and majesty.
 
Framed in a superb giltwood surround of exceptional quality, the frame enhances the painting’s vibrancy and depth, drawing attention to the delicate interplay of light and colour while reinforcing the work’s timeless charm. The canvas is signed in the lower left 'P. Schreiber.'
 
Exceptional both in terms of ownership history and technical mastery, this painting represents a superb example of Schreiber’s Orientalist work and would make a highly desirable addition to any collection.
 
Provenance: Prof. Dr. Carl Brittner (1883-1958), Head of the Rathgen Research Laboratory of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin.
Artist/Maker: Conrad Peter Schreiber (German, 1816–1894)