Bidspirit auction | Adam Styka (1890-1959)

Adam Styka (1890-1959) - A Berber couple in love (after), poł. XX w.. Oil on canvas Dimensions: 38.5 x 48.5 cm, 67 x 57.5 cm (with frame) Signature: none Condition: after conservation The composition depicted here refers to the popular theme of genre scenes from North Africa in orientalist painting. In the foreground, a young Berber couple is seen in an intimate embrace. The man, wearing a traditional burnoose, embraces a smiling woman adorned with rich jewelry – a gold forehead ornament, earrings, and wide bracelets. The woman is clad only in a light, partially slipped-off fabric, emphasizing the sensual nature of the scene. A third figure appears in the background – a woman observing the scene with a faint smile – who gives the composition a narrative and somewhat theatrical character. The entire piece is set against a backdrop of architecture inspired by the North African Maghreb: arcades, columns, and bright, sun-warmed walls. The color palette is based on warm tones of ochre, beige, and pink, juxtaposed with the contrasting turquoise of the seated figure's clothing in the background. A characteristic feature of this type of composition is the decorative treatment of texture—particularly visible in the thicker paint applied to the fabrics and architecture. The subject matter and the way light and color are used evoke oriental genre scenes popular in the first half of the 20th century, which made the work of Adam Styka and his circle famous. Additional fees: +5% / 3% Droit de suite