Antique German Orientalist oil painting of Luxor Temple by Meyerheim

Presented in a carved giltwood frame, this beautiful oil on canvas painting depicts two Egyptian women passing through the ruins of Luxor Temple, a large temple complex located on the east bank of the Nile River.

This orientalist work by German artist Paul Friedrich Meyerheim (1842-1915) is an unusual departure from his celebrated animal paintings. The composition masterfully plays with light and shadow, contrasting the brilliant blue sky with the shade of the temple to create a captivating sense of depth. Rather than dominating the canvas, the shadows are painted with delicate strokes of blue and white, lending a sense of calm to the tranquil scene. Meyerheim’s skilful brushwork is evident in every detail, from the wispy clouds overhead to the figures crossing the valley in the background, evoking a rich and immersive atmosphere.

Born in 1842, Meyerheim was an essential figure in the Prussian Academy of Arts, becoming a professor and member of the Academic Senate in 1887 and establishing a successful animal painting class there. He specialised in painting zoo animals and circus scenes but was also adept at portraits and landscapes, as exemplified in this work.

The artwork is signed ‘P Mayerheim’ in the lower left corner. On the right, as part of the column, ‘PM, Luxor, 5.2.1893’ is signed for the exact date the painting was finished – an unusual addition to works of this type.

With its vibrant colour palette, this painting would make an attractive addition to any fine art collection.

Canvas: Height 42.5cm, width 54cm
Frame: Height 67cm, width 79cm, depth 7cm