Paul Cirou, Algerian Landscape And Woman Studies On The Back (# Algeria Orientalism )

Paul Cirou (1869-1951): French orientalist painter. Trained at the Académie de Dijon then at the Académie Julian in Paris. He started at the Salon des Artistes Français in 1898 (he also exhibited at the Salon des Indépendants). He discovered Algeria in 1907 for health reasons and settled there from 1912 to 1936. He successfully exhibited his Algerian works, some of which were purchased by the French state (1930s museum….).

Our work represents an Algerian landscape centered on a tortuous tree with remarkable treatment and in the background a domed aedicule. On the back, a small study of a tree (with flowers reminiscent of those of the great landscape) and two studies of Algerian women in tawny colors. Paul Cirou made this work on a gray sheet of watercolor paper. He paints in a watercolor technique (perhaps with diluted gouache) which models the elements and gives vigor to the work. The result of this work is an aspect close to pastel and a great freshness of colors.

Watercolor or gouache on gray paper, 60 x 44.5 cm (painted surface: 57 x 41.2 cm)
Unsigned (from the studio) but no doubt about the attribution.
The edge was formerly folded and pinned on a frame (probably during the realization of the work). The painted surface is in perfect condition.