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
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
25 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: London, United Kingdom
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View All'Spinning the Wool', 19th Century Flemish oil painting of two ladies
By Edward Antoon Portielje
Located in London, GB
This fine antique oil painting depicts two ladies seated in a 19th Century style interior. In front of the woman on the right is an antique wool spinner; the woman pauses her work at...
Category
19th Century Naturalistic Interior Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Austrian genre painting of children in a classroom by Rudolf Geyling
By Rudolf Geyling
Located in London, GB
Austrian genre painting of children in a classroom by Rudolf Geyling
Austrian, late 19th Century
Frame: Height 94cm, width 126cm, depth 8cm
Canvas: Height 75cm, width 101cm, depth 2c...
Category
Late 19th Century Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Italian oil on canvas painting of a lacemaker by Paoletti
By Antonio Ermolao Paoletti
Located in London, GB
Italian oil on canvas painting of a lacemaker by Paoletti
Italian, late 19th Century
Frame: Height 119cm, width 93cm, depth 5cm
Canvas: Height 101cm, width 76cm
This beautiful paint...
Category
Late 19th Century Interior Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Antonio Ermolao PaolettiItalian oil on canvas painting of a lacemaker by Paoletti, Late 19th Century
$60,911 Sale Price
20% Off
Spanish Orientalist Oil Painting of the Alcázar of Seville by López Cantero
Located in London, GB
Spanish Orientalist oil painting of the Alcázar of Seville by López Cantero
Spanish, Late 19th Century
Canvas: Height 54cm, width 67cm
Frame: Height 80cm, width 92cm, depth 3.5cm
Th...
Category
Late 19th Century Interior Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Early 20th Century English Oil Painting of a Chapel by Frank Moss Bennett
By Frank Moss Bennett
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century English oil painting of a chapel by Frank Moss Bennett
English, 1918
Canvas: Height 35cm, width 25cm
Frame: Height 57cm, width 47cm, depth 6cm
This atmospheric oil on canvas by noted English painter Frank Moss Bennett (1874–1952) captures the quiet beauty of the Martyn Chapel within St Mary’s Church, Puddletown, Dorset. Known for his affinity for architectural subjects and historical scenes, Bennett presents here a masterful interpretation of medieval ecclesiastical design.
Executed in November 1918, the painting demonstrates Bennett’s refined technique and keen eye for architectural accuracy. His skill in manipulating colour and light is evident throughout the work, particularly in the vivid portrayal of the chapel’s stained-glass window. Multicoloured light dances across the aged stonework, adding warmth and depth to the sacred interior.
St Mary’s Church, originally built during the Norman period, retains many 12th century features alongside elements from later restorations. Bennett was deeply inspired by Dorset’s heritage buildings and natural scenery, and this location featured frequently in his body of work.
The canvas is presented in a richly carved giltwood frame. It is signed and dated ‘FMB / Nov 1918’ at the lower right and inscribed on the reverse with the title ‘The Martyn Chapel, St. Mary’s, Puddletown’. An artist’s biography is also affixed to the back.
This fine example of early 20th century British painting...
Category
Early 20th Century Interior Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Pair of Antique Spanish Orientalist Oil Paintings by Montenegro
Located in London, GB
Pair of antique Spanish orientalist oil paintings by Montenegro
Spanish, 1886
Canvas: Height 36cm, width 29.5cm
Frame: Height 56cm, width 49.5cm, depth 9cm
This signed pair of 1886 ...
Category
1880s Victorian Interior Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
$26,579 Sale Price
20% Off
You May Also Like
Pretending (Lunch from the Café)
By Harry Brooker
Located in Mc Lean, VA
Signed and dated '1910' lower right
Category
1910s Academic Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Feeding the Young
By Edmund Adler
Located in Mc Lean, VA
A rural interior scene by Austrian artist Edmund Adler. The scene is typical of Adler's paintings of Austrian culture and rural life. It is full of gemütlichkeit.
Category
1930s Academic Interior Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
A Very Fine Italian Oil on Canvas Titled "The Solo Violinist or Violin Teacher "
Located in LA, CA
A very fine Italian oil on canvas titled "The Solo Violinist" by Luigi Da Rios (Italian, 1844-1892), depicting an interior 18th century room scene of a single violinist player; withi...
Category
Late 19th Century Academic Figurative Paintings
Materials
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Oil
Silent Interior in the Manner of Vilhelm Hammershøi
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rikard Lindström (1882–1942)
Silent Interior
oil on canvas mounted on board
signed lower right
framed: 50 x 58 cm (19.69 x 22.83 inches)
unframed: 39 x 47 cm (visible image) (15.35...
Category
Early 1900s Academic Interior Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil, Board
Cardinal with Elegant Company by Angelo Zoffoli
Located in New Orleans, LA
Angelo Zoffoli
1860-1910 Italian
Cardinal with Elegant Company
Signed "A. Zoffoli Roma" (lower right)
Oil on canvas
A sumptuously dressed cardinal enjoys the company of a fabulou...
Category
19th Century Academic Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Cardinals Playing Cards by Victor Marais-Milton
By Victor Marais-Milton
Located in New Orleans, LA
Victor Marais-Milton
1872-1948 French
Cardinals Playing Cards
Signed "V. Marais-Milton" (lower right)
Oil on canvas
Two red-robed cardinals engage in a friendly game of cards in ...
Category
Early 19th Century Academic Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil