Large antique Orientalist oil painting by F. A. Bridgman

This spectacular oil on canvas was painted by the renowned Frederick Arthur Bridgman (1847-1928). The American artist is known for his Orientalist style paintings, such as this magnificent example in the Mayfair Gallery’s collection. 

Utilising a vivid colour palette, rendered in the foreground is a pair of majestic horses. Each is dressed in lavish saddles, the green and yellow colouring of one of them especially stands out on the white fur of the animal. Atop the brown horse sits a male rider, his upright and proud body posture suggesting he is a man of importance. He is dressed in equally elegant garments; his red jacket and shoes superbly match detailing of the same colour on his horse.  

In the middle of the artwork stands a charming young girl with her devoted dog. She gazes towards the two magnificent horses. Behind her is a group of three ladies, their clothing painted in lighter, yet still eye-catching shades. Despite appearing in conversation with one another, two of them are looking at the horses, further emphasizing their importance within the composition.  

The protagonists are surrounded by typical Middle Eastern architecture, with various semi-circular niches and doorways leading to more distant parts of the town. Bridgman complemented the neutrally coloured building with various green foliage.  

Frederick Arthur Bridgman was born in Alabama, but throughout his life has travelled extensively through Egypt, Algeria as well as other North African regions. These trips have heavily influenced Bridgman’s artistic output, presenting Orientalist scenes to European and American audiences.  

The painting is framed in a superbly carved giltwood frame and is signed in the lower left corner ‘F. A. Bridgman’.  

Showcasing Bridgman’s wonderful artistic talent, this painting would be an outstanding addition to one’s Orientalist art collection. 

Canvas: Height 69cm, width 91cm
Frame: Height 95cm, width 108cm, depth 8.5cm