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A COLLECTION OF 36 ORIENTALIST PAINTINGS ATTRIBUTED TO MARCEL VICAIRE (1893-1976)
France, 20th century
A COLLECTION OF 36 ORIENTALIST PAINTINGS ATTRIBUTED TO MARCEL VICAIRE (1893-1976)
France, 20th century
Watercolour and ink on paper, possibly from a sketchbook, depicting figures and animals of Orientalist theme, intended to illustrate scenes of daily life, occupations and local fauna from direct observation. Each subject is identified by a caption in French and occasionally also in Arabic. Among the subjects are: the snake charmer, the souk, the bread seller, dancing ladies, the servant, butter and orange sellers, Arab women, and women with babies.
Marcel Vicaire (Paris, 1893 – Saint-Étienne, 1976) was a French painter and illustrator associated with the later generation of Orientalist artists. After travelling to Morocco in the early 1920s, he settled there and devoted much of his work to the depiction of Moroccan life, architecture, and markets. Closely linked to the cultural policies of the French Protectorate, he served as inspector of indigenous arts and later worked with museums and artistic institutions in Fes. His paintings and drawings, often based on direct observation, reflect a documentary approach typical of late Orientalist art in North Africa.
Approx. 24cm x 15cm (36)
Sold for £1,107
A COLLECTION OF 36 ORIENTALIST PAINTINGS ATTRIBUTED TO MARCEL VICAIRE (1893-1976)
France, 20th century
Watercolour and ink on paper, possibly from a sketchbook, depicting figures and animals of Orientalist theme, intended to illustrate scenes of daily life, occupations and local fauna from direct observation. Each subject is identified by a caption in French and occasionally also in Arabic. Among the subjects are: the snake charmer, the souk, the bread seller, dancing ladies, the servant, butter and orange sellers, Arab women, and women with babies.
Marcel Vicaire (Paris, 1893 – Saint-Étienne, 1976) was a French painter and illustrator associated with the later generation of Orientalist artists. After travelling to Morocco in the early 1920s, he settled there and devoted much of his work to the depiction of Moroccan life, architecture, and markets. Closely linked to the cultural policies of the French Protectorate, he served as inspector of indigenous arts and later worked with museums and artistic institutions in Fes. His paintings and drawings, often based on direct observation, reflect a documentary approach typical of late Orientalist art in North Africa.
Approx. 24cm x 15cm (36)
Auction: Arts of India and the Islamic Lands, 22nd Apr, 2026
We are excited to present our Islamic and Indian Art Auction.
The sale brings together a remarkable collection of rare textiles, lacquerwear, woodwork, manuscripts and more. Featuring a 13th century bronze Ayyubid candlestick (lot 29), a monumental Indian silver-overlaid wooden footstool (lot 140) and an Ottoman calligraphic silk lampas panel from the inner covering of the Ka’ba (lot 166).
One further unmissable highlight is the beautifully enamelled 18 carat gold pocket watch by Breguet et Fils, produced for the Ottoman market (lot 148). We are delighted also to present further pieces from the collection of Mr Georges Antaki in this auction, which promises something of interest for all collectors interested in Islamic and Indian art.
Sale date(s) & Start time:
22 Apr 2026 12:00 BST
Viewing
Viewing date(s) & Start time(s):
17 Apr 2026 10:00 - 16:00
18 Apr 2026 11:00 - 16:00
20 Apr 2026 10:00 - 16:00
21 Apr 2026 10:00 - 16:00
View all lots in this sale
