Beautifully done, this primitive kitchen interior still life is created with a definite Impressionist influence. The artist, Hy Camus (I think), has given a look at the simplicity of life, straw on a dirt floor, a brick oven, pots on stand and on the floor along with pottery. Loose bricks have fallen, indicating a wall collapse. Paintings like this were popular in the 1800s, typically showing the prep for a meal in a manner of a prayer of thanks for the daily bounty, one more humble than the next. This one captures a kitchen in ruin, no food to cook, perhaps an old home's skeleton and remainders. A hand broom there, and an unswept floor. I love the painting, even though it has some old restoration. A nice wood frame seems to be original to the painting, and I'd guesstimate it c.1860-90s, but it is undated. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good for age and type, as with many antique paintings, this one has had an old restoration, as you can see more from the back than the front of painting. A patch appears on the backside of the old canvas. At certain angles of light, you can make out where restoration has been done near the raised kettle stand, perhaps here or there on the canvas. Shows well, and the antique oak frame is quite nice, an inner gold fillet. A capable artist and a great deal of color and stroke interest.
