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The Jew Curiosity Dealer, by John Adam Houston, oil, 1845

The Jew Curiosity Dealer

John Adam Houston

1845

oil

canvas

From the collection of National Galleries Scotland

Dominant colour

Overview

The Jew Curiosity Dealer is a 1845 oil by John Adam Houston, held at National Galleries Scotland.

Who painted this?
John Adam Houston
When & what style?
1845
Where can I see it?
National Galleries Scotland

About this work

This painting depicts a man dressed in a red robe and a black hat, holding a small statue in his right hand. The statue is made of a shiny material, possibly metal, and features a figure with wings. The man's attire suggests he might be a merchant or dealer, as indicated by the title "The Jew Curiosity Dealer." The man's expression is neutral, and he appears to be looking directly at the viewer. The background of the painting is dark, which helps to draw attention to the man and the statue he is holding. The use of chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong contrasts of light and dark, adds depth and volume to the painting. This technique is commonly used in oil painting to create a sense of realism and drama.

About the artist

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