View of al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem

Description of the artwork

In a very bright atmosphere, characteristic of Carl CowenSchirm's confident and original treatment, the north façade of the Al-Aqsa Mosque is revealed between the trees at the end of the paved path where the ablution fountain, Al-Kas, is located, animated by a few figures. The geometric rigour of the paving contrasts with the organic suppleness of the trees. The shadows cast and the overwhelming heat of the sun accentuate the warm tones of the façade and the stones of the fountain.

The framing and the shot, with the Dome of the Rock in the background, are striking in their almost photographic quality. Indeed, the artist was very interested in photography: we know that he took a camera with him on his trip to Syria and Palestine in 1880-1881. Like many artists, Schirm drew on his memories and most likely on his own photographs to create this painting, dated 1884, in the landscape painting studio he ran in Wrocław, Poland.