J. Rozentals - The Oriental Woman

Through an imaginary window, the drawing “The Oriental Woman” (1907) lets us into a luscious garden where a young woman wearing oriental jewelery and robes is playing music. The drawing has a theatrical composition  and a sensation of an ongoing performance. As the inscription in the left corner says,  Rozentals has dedicated this work to the famous Latvian actress and singer, Maija Brigadere, to celebrate her 25 years on stage.

Janis Rozentals (1866-1919) is one of the most important Latvian artists  with an everlasting impact on the formation of the national art in Latvia. An innovator and an artist of striking individuality, Rozentals was among those who brought Latvian art to the level of other European nations. Always hard working, Janis Rozentāls spent most of his time in his studio. He is known to have painted with a cigarette in one hand, chain-smoking. Rozentals was a celebrity, popular and loved. His home created together with his wife, Finnish opera singer, Elli Forssell, was a favorite meeting place of Latvian intellectuals who regularly gathered there for literary and musical evenings.

Limited edition quality art print from Latvia. Original property of the LNMA.

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