Carmen - 'Carmen and José' 1910

"Carmen and José" is a 1910 painting by British artist Byam Shaw. The painting depicts a scene from the opera "Carmen" by Georges Bizet, featuring Carmen, a seductive Spanish Gypsy, and Don José, a soldier who is smitten with her. Shaw's painting captures the passionate and dramatic nature of the opera, with Carmen's vibrant dress and José's captivated expression conveying their intense emotions. The scene is set in a cobbled street, adding to the sense of realism and immediacy. This piece is an example of a popular genre in the early 20th century, where artists would create paintings based on famous operas.