Peter Kornbeck, 1837 Copenhagen - 1894

STREET SCENE IN CAIRO WITH MINARET IN THE BACKGROUND
Oil on canvas.
121 x 83 cm.
Signed and dated "1889" lower right.
In a magnificent gilded frame.

The present painting shows bustling activity in the foreground, where numerous stores are lined up to the left and right of the street, with men and even women and the occasional child, as well as a camel, bustling about. However, the main focus is on the depiction of the impressive oriental architecture, which must have made a great impression on the Danish painter. The effect of the mosque lying in the glaring sunlight and the hustle and bustle on the street in the cool shade is particularly well worked out.

Kornbeck first began to study architecture in his home town before turning to painting and learning to draw from the architectural painter Heinrich Hansen. To further his education, Kornbeck traveled to Italy as early as 1860, where he stayed for over five years before returning home. However, he traveled south again as often as he could, in 1885 with a travel grant from the Academy. His preferred motifs included scenes from folk life, which often took place in the open air. His works are characterized by careful elaboration and richness of detail, often in a bright palette, as in the present painting, which reflects the painter's skill, especially in the architectural details. He married in 1868 and had an accident on the day of his wedding, in which he lost the sight in one eye, but this did not prevent him from continuing to work successfully. (14014829) (10)



Peter Kornbeck,
1837 Copenhagen - 1894

CAIRO STREET SCENE WITH MINARET IN THE BACKGROUND

Oil on canvas.
121 x 83 cm.
Signed lower right and dated "1889".