Venetian school of the mid-18th century. Oil work on canvas depicting an invented landscape composition of notable pictorial quality. On the right a ruined building, probably an ancient temple, on the top of which some plants have grown. The fantasy ruins feature composite Corinthian-style columns and pilasters, and several fragments lie on the ground. The scene is animated by lively figurines. Some dressed in old fashion sit on the ruins, one is busy smoking a long pipe. To their right are two other characters wearing oriental turban headdresses. In the distance a green landscape with other small figures. A medieval crenellated tower is ruined on a hill. The landscape disappears towards a mountain, dominated by a tormented sky, from whose clouds a suggestive ray of light filters. The representation of a fantasy place, also called architectural capriccio, was often in use among eighteenth-century Venetian painters and landscape artists. The canvas shows a derivation from themes present in the works of the Venetian Marco Ricci, nephew of the great painter Sebastiano, lacking authenticity. Very inclined towards the landscape theme, Marco Ricci favored it and became oriented towards it very early, recording influences from Titian, Tempesta, J. Eismann, with luminous compositions rich in atmospheric effects. Particularly significant on him was the influence of Salvator Rosa and Alessandro Magnasco, who inspired him and from whom he drew the technique of rapid and loose brushwork. Elegant 19th century frame in imitation tortoiseshell and gilded painted wood, with some signs of aging. Work already restored with relining, replacement of the frame and color recovery in some small spots. Overall in excellent state of conservation. Painting light H 94 x W 132 cm.
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SILVER Seller in Cuneo, Italy
