‘Leaving the Village’, large Orientalist oil painting by Goodall

This captivating Orientalist oil painting by renowned English artist Frederick Goodall (1822–1904) portrays a woman, child, and goat crossing the Nile River. Known for his Orientalist works influenced by his travels to the Middle East, Goodall exhibited extensively at the Royal Academy and was made a full Royal Academician (RA) in 1863, solidifying his prominence in the art world. The painting is titled ‘Leaving the Village / Overflow of the Nile’.

The scene depicts a young mother draped in flowing blue fabric, with a red rope tied around her waist, carrying her child on her shoulder. The baby, dressed similarly to the mother, clings to her green and brown head covering. Their direct gaze toward the viewer draws one in, inviting reflection on the story being told. The woman is adorned with several pieces of jewellery, including hoop earrings, which Goodall expertly highlights with lighter tones to suggest their shine.

With her left hand supporting the child, the mother’s right hand grasps a rope attached to a goat. After his travels to Egypt, Goodall brought back sheep and goats to ensure the authenticity of his depictions, and the goat in this painting may be inspired by one he personally acquired. The group is walking across the Nile, with grassy banks visible in the background. Behind them, Goodall has painted the brown-toned silhouettes of buildings and palm trees, symbolising the village they are leaving behind.

The painting is framed in an elegant carved giltwood frame, inscribed with the title ‘Leaving the Village / Overflow of the Nile’ and the artist’s name, ‘Fred Goodall. R.A.’ The canvas bears the artist’s monogram in the lower right corner, while the reverse is stamped by Rowney, the canvas supplier.

As a work by an important British artist, this piece is a valuable addition to any collection of Orientalist art.

Canvas: Height 102cm, width 89cm, depth 2cm
Frame: Height 119cm, width 106cm, depth 5cm