Pair of 18th Century Gouache Capriccios

View Similar Items

Pair of Italian 18th Century Neapolitan Gouaches in 19th Century Mahogany Frame

Pair of Still Life Painted in Gouache, Dutch School, 18th Century

18th Century Oil on Canvas Italian Capriccio Painting of Architectural Ruins

18th Century, Roman Architectural Capriccio Attributed to Francesco Chiarottini

18th-19th Century Pair of Paintings

Pair of 18th Century Romantic Paintings

18th Century Italian Baroque Landscape After Magnasco Large Capriccio with Ruins

Charles-Louis Clerisseau 18th Century Gouache Of A Dance Amongst Classical Ruins

Pair of 18th Century Italian Oil Paintings

Pair of Italian 19th Century Neapolitan Gouaches

18th Century Oval Pastel Painting of a Milk Girl

18th Century Romantic Italian Paintings

1 of 3

Pair of 18th Century Gouache Capriccios

About the Item

Pair of Grand Tour oval capriccios, each in a giltwood frame; the one depicting a formally attired woman at the foot of a garden stairway headed by large Classical sculpture, a large fountain to the left and potted plants in the foreground, set within a mountainous landscape with an aqueduct and waterfalls; the other depicting a formally attired gentleman standing in a courtyard with a balustrade and gesturing to the statue, "Mercury Astride Pegasus", a Classical ruin with Corinthian columns to the right, set within a wooded landscape. The appearance of "Mercury Astride Pegasus" is a delightful anachronism. Capriccios such as these were intended to evoke the Romantic beauty and splendor of the Ancient World. But the statue was carved c. 1702 by Antoine Coysevox (1640-1720), commissioned by Louis XIV. The original is now in the Louvre and copies adorn the gates at the west end of the Tuileries. Notice how the dramatic golden light and shadows on the temple ruin together with the deep azure blue in the foliage anticipate Maxfield Parrish by 150 years! These gorgeous works are showing their age. While the colors are bright and fresh in each, the female painting has numerous small spots in the sky and two large ones in the wall. The male painting has minor paint losses, visible in the dense green foliage. The giltwood frames have a lovely soft patina and are probably original. Both have acid free backing and museum glass. (The original glass is still available.)

Creator:
Neapolitan Craftsman (Artist)
Dimensions:
Height: 15.75 in (40.01 cm)Width: 18.5 in (46.99 cm)Depth: 1.5 in (3.81 cm)
Sold As:
Set of 2
Style:
Romantic (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Gouache,Paper
Place of Origin:
Italy
Period:
Late 18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1790
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Original glass recently replaced with museum glass to protect the work from harmful UV rays. We have the glass and are happy to send it. See above for condition report.
Seller Location:
St. Louis, MO
Reference Number:
Seller: 1-29651stDibs: LU85461899022