Alberto Pasini
Desert scene, 1869
Oil on canvas; 24½ x 41½ in

Alberto Pasini was born near Parma, Italy in 1826.  Of the Italian School, he is considered to be an Orientalist and genre painter.  Like many 19th century artists, Pasini lived for several years in Turkey, Arabia, and Persia where he drew inspiration for the "exotic" subjects of many of  his pantings.  Desert Scene with its colorful caravan of people and animals, swirling sand, and bright desert light is a fine example of Pasini's style.