Orientalist Painting of Heartbreak, 1870-90

Orientalist painting, depicting jealousy and heartbreak in the desert.

 Western painters became captivated with images of the Middle East in the 19th century, leading to a trend of Orientalist paintings-- subjects and situations often existing entirely in the minds of the painter. Here a lonely man views a couple kissing in the middle of a vast desert causing him to spill his jug of water. It's almost deadpan in its visual humor, especially with how the couple just pop out from the ethereal background. Despite its humor, it is also delicately and finely done. Certainly a well trained artist. A work dedicated to the eternal notion of "you vs the guy she told you not to worry about"

Gouache and oil on canvas. Some loss and damage to the frame shown. 

Unsigned, likely third quarter of the 19th century

Forgot to get dimensions but probably like 6" x 18" or so