I love a miniature manuscript painting--those lush gouaches do it for me every time--and a hot bath too, so what delight to find this one this week at a favorite treasure trove in New Hampshire. And what better vehicle for delivering the pure joys of color and pattern than rendering a variety of Middle Eastern ceramic tiles-- covering every surface here and framing the view, too--and then yet more marvelous pattern for the water itself, in which two of the four figures are submerged, while the other two appear to be testing the temperature and getting ready to take the plunge. A perfect one for hanging near the tub, very lovely and very transportive.
Framed as found: 7 1/8" x 5 1/2". Paper: 5 9/16" x 4". Very good condition. Later 19th c. I would guess. Frame is high quality vintage, metal with a faux wood grain finish, substantial and heavy for its size and I think suits it just fine.
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