Orientalist oil painting on the banks of the Nile, Cairo by Billet

This captivating oil on panel, painted in 1877 by Étienne Billet (1821–1888), showcases the talent of a renowned French artist celebrated for his remarkable Orientalist landscapes. Billet’s extensive travels to Egypt and Algeria during the 1850s greatly influenced his body of work, as evidenced in this exceptional piece from Mayfair Gallery’s collection.

The painting depicts a vibrant scene along the Nile in Cairo, where people are busy extracting water from a well on the riverbank. The well, built near the water’s edge, features a wooden structure that aids in drawing water. One figure, dressed in vivid blue garments, pulls a water-filled basket, while another steadies the rope to ensure its safe delivery.

Nearby, two women with water vessels—one balancing hers on her head—stand by. Surrounding them are groups of people, some observing the work while others relax amidst the tranquil setting of sunlight, greenery, and flowing water.

In the background, Billet painted a serene landscape with trees, hills, and a path leading to a distant village, perhaps the home of the riverside workers.

The artwork is framed in an elegant giltwood frame, its golden hue beautifully complementing the rich colour palette Billet employed. The painting is signed in the lower-right corner, ‘E. Billet Le Caire 1877’.

Billet’s exceptional skill and meticulous attention to detail are evident throughout, particularly in the lifelike reflections on the river and the finely rendered figures. This late 19th-century French Orientalist piece is a highly desirable addition to any collection of fine art.

Panel: Height 38cm, width 58cm
Frame: Height 60cm, width 80cm, depth 8cm