Large Orientalist oil painting of animals and figures by Louis Guy

This outstanding Orientalist painting was painted in 1884 by Jean Baptiste Louis Guy (French, 1824-1888). The theme of the serene scene makes this painting a particularly desirable work of art. Louis Guy’s artworks can be found in several museums such as the Williamson Art Gallery & Museum, Jersey Museum and Art Gallery as well as the British Museum.

Occupying the foreground is a male figure riding a donkey, the most striking feature being his yellow shoes. His head is slightly turned towards the observer, his facial expression suggesting tiredness as he carries numerous bags over his shoulder. Behind him, a busier scene unfolds. The building appears to be a market in front of which several people are resting, walking, or packing their items. Some are sitting on the curb, perhaps resting before the journey back, while others are filling the interiors of the building. Most figures are dressed in neutral garments, their heads covered. A large grey dog sleeps on the sandy ground. On the right side of the painting is a vivid green door, possibly leading to another part of the village.

Peaking from behind the white stone building are several palm trees, Louis Guy superbly depicting the lush green leaves. Filling most of the upper part of the canvas is a brilliantly painted bright blue sky, one of the more noticeable parts of the painting.

The canvas is signed in the lower right ‘Louis Guy 1884’ and is framed in a very decorative giltwood frame.

Louis Guy brilliantly depicts the finest of details and skillfully uses colours making this a timeless work of art suitable for both modern and traditional spaces.

Canvas: Height 49cm, width 67cm
Frame: Height 72cm, width 91cm, depth 9cm