A Pair Of Lively Italian Landscapes, Signed L. De Martin And Dated 1779, Oils On Canvas

An elegant pair of oil-on-canvas paintings depicting imaginary Italian landscapes populated by figures, in the style of 18th-century architectural caprices.

The compositions depict fishermen and travelers by the water’s edge, set against a backdrop of steep cliffs, waterfalls, ancient ruins, and distant architecture. One of the views is identified as Lake Seflo, the other as the Seascape by Maciuccoli di Ripa Fratta, near Pisa.

Each painting bears an old plaque inscribed with “L. De Martin” and the date 1779. The works demonstrate a delicate handling of atmosphere, perspective, and lighting effects—characteristics of Italian landscape painting from the second half of the 18th century.

The paintings are presented in their impressive 19th-century carved and gilded wooden frames, richly adorned with shells and scrollwork. The frames show several previous restorations and a few visible cracks, which do not affect their structural integrity or decorative quality.

A beautiful decorative ensemble evoking the Italy of the Grand Tour travelers.