Object Description
Continental 20th century oil painting of Jerusalem
Continental, 20th Century
Canvas: Height 53cm, width 78cm
Frame: Height 60cm, width 84cm, depth 4cm
This captivating landscape painting presents a sweeping panoramic view of Jerusalem as observed from the elevated vantage point of the Mount of Olives. The ancient city walls stretch horizontally across the centre of the canvas, creating a visual divide between the textured, mountainous foreground and the intricate cityscape beyond.
To the right of the composition, the Dome of the Rock emerges as a focal point, anchoring the scene with its presence. Beneath it, a winding, sunlit path cuts through the terrain, guiding the viewer’s eye into the depths of the landscape. Along this route, a group of travellers animates the scene—three women carrying produce descend from the hills, while two men approach from the opposite direction. Their flowing garments, painted in radiant hues of purple, turquoise, yellow, and blue, mirror the architectural colours of the city and infuse the canvas with a harmonious, gemstone-like glow.
Executed in a layered, atmospheric style that favours tonal richness over precise linearity, the painting exudes a soft luminosity that enhances its dreamlike quality. Housed in a refined giltwood frame, the piece offers both aesthetic charm and cultural resonance.
This evocative portrayal of one of the world’s most iconic cityscapes would make a distinguished addition to any collection of antique or 19th-century Orientalist art.