Water Carrier, Painted Orientalist Enamel, Late 19th Century

The Water Carrier, Enamelled copper plaque Art Nouveau France 1890-1910. Orientalist enamel. Polychrome enamel hand-painted depicting a young woman water carrier arriving at the spring carrying a large water jug on her covered head. She is seen descending towards the water source, surrounded by classical ruins, preparing to fill her vessel with fresh water. Indistinctly signed in the lower right corner. In its original and impressive carved wooden frame also depicting ruins of classical architecture with ivy and palm trees growing through the columns. With a support foot, it can also be hung on the wall. The "water carrier" was a classic subject for early Art Nouveau artists.