Large British Orientalist oil painting by Heywood Hardy

This exceptional oil on canvas by British artist Heywood Hardy (1842–1933) captures a lively street scene in a North African town. Best known for his animal paintings, particularly of horses, Hardy also created Orientalist works like the one featured in Mayfair Gallery’s collection.

The composition is filled with figures in traditional attire, rendered in dark hues with blue and white predominating. Vibrant accents, such as the boy’s red head covering and the yellow details on the donkeys' halters, stand out against the muted tones. In the background, a camel rider can be seen amidst groups of people engaged in conversation.

Soft pastel shades define the distant architecture, palm trees, and hills, with a pastel blue sky contrasting beautifully against the bustling foreground.

The painting is housed in a carved giltwood frame and is signed ‘Heywood Hardy’ in the lower right corner.

Its large scale makes it a striking centrepiece, perfect for hanging above a fireplace or as a focal point in any room.

Canvas: Height 79cm, width 104cm
Frame: Height 105cm, width 129cm, depth 7cm