Items Similar to Antique British Oil Painting of the Alhambra by Thompson
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10
UnknownAntique British Oil Painting of the Alhambra by Thompson1876
1876
$20,540.88
£15,000
€17,582.91
CA$28,286.46
A$30,789.10
CHF 16,314.04
MX$370,285.51
NOK 207,428.88
SEK 190,085.62
DKK 131,343.30
About the Item
Antique British oil painting of the Alhambra by Thompson
British, 1876
Canvas: Height 45cm, width 35.5cm
Frame: Height 69cm, width 61cm, depth 6cm
This serene Orientalist oil painting by renowned British polymath Sir Henry Thompson (1820–1904) captures two figures taking shelter from the sun within the historic Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. Painted in 1876 and exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1877, the work is a fine example of Thompson’s artistic output— though he is more widely recognised for his pioneering medical career and contributions to healthcare reform in Victorian Britain.
While Sir Henry Thompson earned distinction as a surgeon to royalty and European dignitaries, he also cultivated a parallel career as an accomplished artist. His works were shown at both the Royal Academy in London and the Paris Salon, underscoring his creative skill and cultural curiosity.
This particular painting offers an understated yet evocative view of the Alhambra, markedly different from the more romanticised or commercialised depictions typical of the era. Instead of idealised fantasy, Thompson presents a quiet courtyard scene as it might have appeared in the late 19th century. The architectural detailing—muted in tone, with moss growing between time-worn floor tiles—conveys a gentle, faded grandeur. Two seated figures dressed in Spanish attire enhance the sense of stillness and authenticity.
The interplay of light and shadow is a key feature of the composition. Sunlight cuts diagonally across the scene, creating contrast with the cooler interior shade and guiding the viewer’s gaze towards an arched window in the background. This nuanced handling of light brings a dynamic tension to the otherwise tranquil setting.
Housed in an ornate giltwood frame with foliate decoration, the painting is signed in the lower left with Thompson’s artist’s monogram. An original handwritten label affixed to the reverse reads: ‘In the Alhambra: painted by me in October 1876. Exhibited in the Royal Academy 1877. Henry Thompson’.
A refined example of 19th-century Orientalist painting, this work would be ideal for collectors drawn to architectural subjects and historic travel art.
About the Seller
5.0
Vetted Professional Seller
Every seller passes strict standards for authenticity and reliability
1stDibs seller since 2017
29 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: Several days
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: London, United Kingdom
- Return Policy
More From This Seller
View AllAntique Orientalist Oil Painting of Biskra by Paul Lazerges
Located in London, GB
Antique Orientalist oil painting of Biskra by Paul Lazerges
French, 1894
Canvas: Height 39cm, width 46cm
Frame: Height 65cm, width 73cm, depth 10cm
This oil on canvas by celebrated...
Category
Late 19th Century Landscape Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Antique French Orientalist Oil Painting by Pavy
By Eugène Pavy
Located in London, GB
Antique French Orientalist oil painting by Pavy
French, 1884
Panel: Height 53cm, width 65cm
Frame: Height 74cm, width 84cm, depth 8cm
This striking 19th-century Orientalist paintin...
Category
1880s Victorian Figurative Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
Large Antique Orientalist Oil Painting by Jean Baptiste Louis Guy
Located in London, GB
Large antique Orientalist oil painting by Jean Baptiste Louis Guy
French, 1884
Canvas: Height 49cm, width 67cm
Frame: Height 72cm, width 91cm, depth 9cm
Pai...
Category
Late 19th Century Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Large 19th Century British Orientalist Oil Painting by Henry Lynton Stanton
By Henry Stanton Lynton
Located in London, GB
Large 19th century British Orientalist oil painting by Henry Lynton Stanton
British, 1890
Canvas: Height 51cm, width 76cm
Frame: Height 59cm, width 84cm, depth 5cm
This vibrant oil ...
Category
Late 19th Century Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Antique French Orientalist Oil Painting Alphonse Léon Germain-Thill
Located in London, GB
Antique French Orientalist Oil Painting Alphonse Léon Germain-Thill
French, 1906
Canvas: Height 46cm, width 39cm
Frame: Height 67cm, width 59cm, depth 5cm
This is a striking oil on ...
Category
Early 20th Century Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Orientalist oil painting of the Moroccan city of Fez
Located in London, GB
This scene of the walled city of Fez in Morocco is populated by figures in small groups and within caravans of camels, bringing trade goods to and from the city. Lying below distant ...
Category
1860s Landscape Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
You May Also Like
19th Century Orientalist Oil on Canvas Painting
Located in Palm Beach, FL
German Orientalist oil on canvas painting of a street scene. Long shadows suggesting start of the day, complete with merchants, travelers, ar...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century German Moorish Paintings
William Sartain Arab Shops No. 9 Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Toledo, OH
Oil on canvas by American painter William Sartain (1843-1924) titled Arab Shops No. 9. The street scene depicts a vendor sitting on a green mat under an awning on the stone steps in ...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Paintings
Materials
Paint
19th C, Orientalist Architectural Interior of Alcazar of Seville by Tomas Aceves
Located in Atlanta, GA
Tomas Aceves (Spanish, 19th century), circa 1870. Oil On Board in Giltwood Frame. "Alcazar of Seville Interior".
This masterfully executed architectural interior painting, signed b...
Category
Antique 19th Century Spanish Aesthetic Movement Paintings
Materials
Giltwood, Paint
$6,800 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Oil on Canvas Orientalist Painting Moorish Spain Gate of The Sun Toledo
Located in Portland, OR
A large & important Orientalist oil on canvas painting, Moorish Spain, by Pollok Sinclair Nesbit (1848-1922) ASRA, "The Gate of the Sun" Toledo, 1872.
A member of The Royal Scottish ...
Category
1870s Realist Interior Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Orientalist Framed Painting of an Arabic City Dated 1884
Located in Marbella, ES
Orientalist Framed Painting of an Arabic City Dated 1884
Measurements with frame: 35.5x43x4cm.
Category
Antique 19th Century European Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Wood
Late 19th, Early 20th Century, English Painting Orientalist School
Located in Marbella, ES
English orientalist school; late 19th - early 20th century.
"Slave market".
Oil on canvas.
Presents stamps on the back.
Measurements: 26,5 x 36 cm; 27 x 37 cm (frame).
The orien...
Category
Antique Early 1900s English Paintings
Materials
Canvas
More Ways To Browse
Thompson Antique
Antique Floor Tile
19th Century Orientalist Paintings
Antique Arch Window
Thompson Oil Paintings
Alhambra Antique
Alhambra Painting
Florence Gardiner
Gerald Nees
Gile Steele
Giovanni Muller
Harry Frier
Harry John Pearson
Henry Wanton Jones
Idowu Emmanuel
Jacques Petit Bouquet With White Jug
Jean Voltaire Hector
Joseph Bayol