Large figurative Orientalist oil painting by Frederick Goodall

Large figurative Orientalist oil painting by Frederick Goodall
English, 19th Century
Canvas: Height 102cm, width 89cm, depth 2cm
Frame: Height 119cm, width 106cm, depth 5cm
 
This exceptional Orientalist oil painting, created by the esteemed English artist Frederick Goodall (1822–1904), depicts a scene of a woman, child, and goat crossing the Nile River.
The piece is titled ‘Leaving the Village / Overflow of the Nile’.
 
In the foreground, a young mother, clad in flowing blue fabric and a red rope cinched around her waist, carries her child on her shoulder. The infant, dressed similarly to the mother, clutches her headscarf, its green and brown hues adding depth to the scene. Their direct gaze toward the viewer invites reflection on the narrative unfolding. The woman is adorned with jewellery, including delicately painted bracelets, which Goodall highlights with lighter tones to suggest a shimmering effect.
 
While supporting her child with her left hand, the mother’s right hand holds a rope tethering a goat. The group walks across the river, with distant silhouettes of buildings and palm trees painted in earthy browns, indicating the village they are leaving behind.
 
Framed in an intricately carved giltwood frame, the painting bears the inscription ‘Leaving the Village / Overflow of the Nile’ along with the artist’s name, ‘Fred Goodall. R.A.’ The canvas is signed with the artist’s monogram in the lower right corner, while the reverse features the stamp of Rowney, the supplier of the canvas.
 
This striking work by a prominent British artist would make an exquisite addition to any collection of Orientalist art.
 
Provenance:
- Collection of the artist (once loaned by Goodall to Charles Dickens, who had admired it during a visit to Goodall's studio)
- Thence by direct descent
- Private collection, US
- Bonhams, London, 25 January 2012, Lot 53
 
Artist/Maker: Frederick Goodall