A merchant of Eastern weapons on a narrow, bustling street.

(1821 Laval - 1908 Chennevières-sur-Marne) A trader of Oriental weapons on a narrow, bustling street in North Africa offers his wares - a silver helmet with chainmail and a flintlock rifle, while two stray dogs search for edible scraps at his feet. This characteristic cabinet painting was created by a 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 1965 onward, he began travels 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 precision. Oil on mahogany panel. Signed.