Nightly seascape with sailboats was executed in the sec.half of 19th century and due to the similarity of signature, style and motive was attributed to the hand of famous French marine painter Francois Pierre Barry (1813 Marceille - 1905 Saint-Laurent-du-Var). Born in Marseille, Barry was known primarily for his landscapes and marine paintings, the harbor of his native city being one of his favorite subjects. Barry’s work was highly regarded by the Second Empire (1851-1870) regime, and an 1862 government commission to record the building of the Suez Canal (1859-1869) brought him to the Middle East in the company of Prince Jérôme Napoléon. Barry was immediately captivated by the region’s luminous colors and endless desert vistas and made a number of paintings during his stay, including views of Karnak and the first cataract of the Nile. He also created several commemorative paintings for the Suez Canal Company that were exhibited at the Salon of 1863. This moody and evocative painting of Bedouins tending their herd demonstrates Barry’s deft handling of atmosphere and light.

Literature: Thieme/Becker "Allgemeines Lexikon der bildenden Künstler von der Antike bis zur Gegenwart"; E.Benezit "Dictionnaire des peintres , sculpteurs, dessinateurs et graveurs",Gründ, 1999;

Inscription: signed lower right , on the reverse of the stretcher - stamp of French Naval Ministry.

Technique: oil on canvas. Luxuriousy original period  frame.

Measurements: h. 21 5/8 " x 15" ( 55 x 38 cm), w. 29 1/8 " x 22 1/2" ( 74 x 57 cm ).

Condition: in very good condition.