"Large Animated Bucolic Landscape, Italy, 18th Century (122 Cm)"
Large oil on canvas landscape, probably set near the Italian lakes. In the foreground on the right, a courting scene: a man in formal attire appears to be making a declaration to a young woman seated casually; on the left, another couple watches them with intrigue. In the center, on the edge of a lake, fishermen in the water are hauling in nets. To the left, a stagecoach drawn by four horses with their groom awaits departure. On either side, framing these scenes, tall trees stand out against a backdrop of the setting sun in the distant mountains. In the center, a substantial castle on an island connects the mountains to the lively foreground.
On its original canvas, with minimal old restorations in the background, framed by a molded wooden frame painted to resemble bookbinding paper. The canvas is currently somewhat dark with fine craquelure but no losses; it would benefit from cleaning to revive the colors, which must be vibrant.
First half of the 18th century.
Length 122 cm - height 79 cm - canvas 119 x 76 cm