North African Market
Artist: Frederick Arthur Bridgman
Title: North African Market 1923
Signed 'F.A Bridgman 1923' lower left
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Size: 37x52 in (94x131.7 cm)
American Orientalist
The 'North African Market' is a painting that was done towards the end of F.A. Bridgeman's career and displays his full understanding of multi-figural compositions. Most likely painted in Normandy based on one of his many skteches from his numerous trips to Morocco, it shows a typical market scene as he might have come across during his travels.
Unlike many paintings which feature one focal point this scene consists of large groupings of vendors and customers, who intermingle so closely that the entire scene demands our focus.
Note how loosely the scene is painted. The ground and most figures are hinted at, rather than elaboratley painted with detail. The mood of intense market activity is further enhanced by the playful dabs of light and shadow. The entire painting has warm tones of beige, browns and reds creating a feel of a warm sunny afternoon.
