Pair Of Oil Paintings On Canvas, 18th Century: "seascapes With Allegories Of Winter And Spring"

An elegant pair of oil-on-canvas paintings, dating from the 18th century, depicting evocative coastal views at sunset, brought to life by allegorical figures and cherubs. The canvases are set in stately carved and gilded wooden frames, featuring relief decorations and corner motifs with floral designs, which enhance their decorative appeal.

In the first painting, a serene bay opens up toward the horizon, where sailing ships and a city can be seen in the distance. In the foreground, on the shore, a group of figures and cherubs gathers around a fire: a woman wrapped in a cloak sits in the warmth, while a young boy carries a bundle of firewood and others stoke the flames. To the left, on a rocky promontory, a fortress stands. The scene most likely evokes the allegory of Winter.

The second painting depicts a seascape with a large coastal tower and a moored boat, set against a backdrop of mountainous terrain and a golden sky streaked with clouds. In the foreground, ladies sit among flowers and cherubs hold baskets of roses, while a flying cherub hovers over the scene: a clear allegory of Spring.

Provenance: France

Period: early 1700s

Dimensions: 74 x 63h cm

SKU: 17543