Object Description
‘Dream Serenade’ Orientalist oil paining by Antonio Rivas
Spanish, 1886
Canvas: Height 74cm, width 116cm
Frame: Height 92cm, width 124cm, depth 7cm
Painted by a Spanish painter, Antonio Rivas (1845-1911) in 1886, this oil on canvas depicts a group of women serenading the sleeping man. The female figures are standing, occupying the left side of the painting. They are holding sheets with lyrics, musical instruments, and flowing textiles. The majority are singing, and one can be observed dancing. The artist has portrayed them in pastel colours, such as pink, cream and yellow. This in addition to the sun rays entering the room through the window as well as fog on the ground creates a heaven-like ambience around them.
The right side of the painting is filled with furniture and a sleeping figure. The man is reclining on a yellow sofa, surrounded by other furniture, rugs and a hookah pipe. He is dressed in traditional Orientalist clothing where shades of green and gold predominate. A thick curtain decorated with tassels drapes over the sofa. The artist employed a richer and darker colour palette creating an earthlier look.
Rivas’ piece is framed in a beautiful carved giltwood frame and signed in the lower left ‘A. Rivas/ Roma 86’.
Magnificently painted and depicting an intriguing, dream-like scene the painting would be a superb addition to one’s wall space.