Large antique Orientalist oil painting by Heywood Hardy

Large antique Orientalist oil painting by Heywood Hardy
British, c. 1900
Canvas: Height 79cm, width 104cm
Frame: Height 105cm, width 129cm, depth 7cm
 
This remarkable oil painting by British artist Heywood Hardy (1842–1933) depicts a vibrant scene from a North African town.
 
The painting immerses the viewer in a lively street scene, where figures dressed in traditional garments are brought close to the foreground. Dominated by shades of blue and white, their attire is punctuated with striking pops of colour, like the yellow detailing on the donkeys' halters. In the distance, a camel rider moves through the crowd, further adding to the dynamic atmosphere.
 
The backdrop features soft pastel tones that highlight Middle Eastern architecture, palm trees, and distant hills. Above, the expanse of a pastel blue sky contrasts beautifully with the bustling scene below.
 
Signed in the lower right corner by the artist, this work is framed in an intricately carved giltwood frame.
 
Its sizable proportions make it an ideal focal point for any room, particularly as a centrepiece above a mantelpiece.