18th Century French School. Oriental Merchants In Front Of A Mediterranean Port

Oil on canvas
Original Louis XV period carved and gilded frame, beautiful model.

Total dimensions: 61 x 71 cm

Our painting, painted around 1760, is the work of a painter from the school of Jean-Baptiste Le Prince.

It represents a Mediterranean port where oriental merchants are busy unloading goods. The general atmosphere of the painting is suffused with the soft light of a setting sun. Under ancient ruins, tea is served to two figures, one of whom smokes a pipe.

Jean-Baptiste The Prince
Painter, designer and engraver (he perfected aquatint). Born in Metz, died in Saint-Denis-du-Port (near Lagny). He began his painting studies in Metz, but judging himself to be more gifted than his master, François Boucher, he left for Paris. The governor of Metz, Marshal of Belle-Isle, quickly protects him with a pension for his academic studies. This protector brought him into the best workshop of the time, that of François Boucher. He traveled to Italy (1754), Holland and then to Russia in 1757; he joined there his brother, gilder at the court since 1742, and his brother-in-law, master of languages ​​at the Academy of Sciences of Saint-Petersburg. Active in Saint Petersburg, at the same time he crisscrossed the country: he visited his brothers in Moscow, he went to Livonia, Finland, as far as Siberia. He returned to Paris in 1762. Admitted to the Academy in 1765. He exhibited at the Salon of 1765 and 1767. Active in Russia and in Paris.

Good condition; Sold with invoice & certificate