The artwork titled “A Loaf of Bread, The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam” is an illustration created by artist Edmund Dulac, falling under the Art Nouveau movement, also known as Modern style. This illustration is part of the series “The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam,” a collection of translations of Persian verses by the poet Omar Khayyam.
In this luminous and intricate illustration, Dulac presents a tranquil scene under the shadowy embrace of an ancient tree. The foreground features a contemplative man dressed in flowing robes, with a loaf of bread, a jug, and a palette placed nearby, indicative of simple yet essential items. He holds an open book, perhaps signifying contemplation or solace found in literature. A woman, draped in a richly embellished cloak, leans on a branch above him, gazing toward the horizon. The backdrop is composed of an enchanting landscape with delicate foliage and a crescent moon, evoking a serene and mystical ambiance. This artwork poignantly encapsulates the essence of tranquility, introspection, and the intertwining of nature with human existence.
