The snake charmer

Executed with oil paints, the artist employs strong contrasts of light and shadow to model the textures of fabric and the glistening scales of the snake. Fine brushwork renders the intricate patterns of the robes, while broader strokes suggest the surrounding crowd. The handling of chiaroscuro enhances the three‑dimensional presence of the central figure.

The canvas was painted by Nasreddine Dinet, a French artist who adopted an Algerian identity after converting to Islam. A founding member of the Société des Peintres Orientalistes, Dinet produced works that reflected his immersion in local customs. The painting entered the Art Gallery of New South Wales’s holdings in the early twentieth century, where it remains on view.

During the late nineteenth century, European interest in Oriental subjects grew, prompting artists like Dinet to travel to North Africa and depict its people and rituals. This work exemplifies that trend, combining a documentary eye with a romanticized portrayal of everyday spectacle, and illustrates the artist’s personal integration into Algerian society.