A merchant of Eastern weapons on a narrow, bustling street

(1821 Laval - 1908 Chennevières-sur-Marne) A merchant of Eastern weapons on a narrow, bustling North African street offers his wares—a silver helmet with chainmail and a rifle—while two stray dogs search for edible scraps at his feet. This characteristic cabinet painting was created by the French artist who entered the École des Beaux-Arts in 1837 on the recommendation of Ary Scheffer and studied under Paul Delaroche. Landelle first exhibited in 1841, primarily with religious and historical works. From 1865, he began traveling to the Middle East and North Africa, including Morocco, Algeria, and Egypt, increasingly dedicating himself to Orientalism. His works are distinguished more by sentimentality than ethnographic accuracy. Oil on mahogany panel. Signed.