Bedouins preparing a raiding party

The present work is notable not only for its size, but also for its extraordinary freshness. As is common for Rosati, the artist has used strong colours to pick out one or two characters in particular (see also lot 27), in this case the figure in the foreground on the right, who discusses with his companions how best they should plan their attack.

A few particular details reveal the extraordinary attention Rosati has not only paid to his motif, but also to the composition. For example, the main figure's shoes echo the curl of the butt of his gun, while the brilliant blues of the figure on the left tie the group of men to the sky, and help to balance the dominating colours of his companion.