Object Description
Orientalist watercolour painting of Muslims in prayer by Rappini
Italian, Early 20th Century
Paper: Height 34cm, width 23cm
Frame: Height 53cm, width 39cm, depth 3cm
This charming scene is by the Italian Orientalist artist Vittorio Rappini (1877-1939). Rendered in delicate watercolours, it depicts a group of Muslim men praying in a mosque.
Four figures occupy the central part of the painting, two of whom stand in prayer and two of whom are seated. Each figure is dressed in a pastel robe that beautifully contrasts the overall neutral colour palette. By having all four figures facing away from the viewer, the artist effectively creates a sense of solemnity suitable for the devotional subject.
The mosque’s interior is wonderfully detailed, with interesting architectural elements and decoration. Pointed archways lead to colourful antechambers decorated with foliate designs, whilst a frieze of Arabic text runs around the circumference of the room.
The painting is surrounded by a giltwood frame, which is inscribed with the title and artist on the lower edge, ‘Moslems at Prayer / Rappini’. The painting itself is also signed in the lower left-hand corner ‘Rappini’.
With its sensitive rendering, this beautiful watercolour would make an excellent addition to any collection of antiques.