(French, 1716-1775)

Figures in an Italianate Landscape, signed lower right "Jean Vernet" with wax seals verso, oil on canvas, 36-1/2 x 47 in.; period reverse profile frame, 40-7/8 x 51 in.

Provenance: By Descent from Prominent Nobleman and Industrialist Guido LazzariNote:

A note from the consignor states: 

"This painting has been in my family since about 1959.  It was acquired from a reliable source while living in Naples, Italy, through the assistance of friends who were interior designers/art collectors.  The top stretcher has a label with a red wax seal with 'Roma' impressed in it.  The label is in Italian which I have translated to be 'French resident of Holland. Landscape painter, of 17th century inspiration, much appreciated also for his floral compositions and still lifes, who always paints in the manner and using 17th century techniques.  Long-time resident in Italy and so his numerous works—belonging to private collections—figure in the exhibition of 17th century landscapes, that a Roman gallery of ancient and modern art showed in 1928.The signature, that the artist placed on his canvases, and the hot wax seal, on the reverse of the frame, have to retain a commendable measure of caution, so that his paintings do not become confused with those of the great master of the same name Claude Joseph or with paintings of the period.The mention of this artist must be compared to those of the good specialists, whose representatives, with new modern tendencies, are unfortunately disappearing.' These words appear on a paper attached to the back of the frame. The 'Burned on' seal mentioned, is oval-shaped with 'Jean Vernet' in script within.  Other words are printed within the double-oval border.

Label reads in Italian, 'Jean Vernet Pittore di origine francese, residente a Rijswick (Olanda).  Paesista di fantasia, di ispirazione settecentesca, molto apprezzato anche per le sue composizioni floreali e di natura morta, che dipinge sempre con maniera e tecnica settecentesca.  Risiedette lungo tempo in Italia e numerose sue opere--appartenenti a collezionisti privati-figurano alla mostra del paesaggio settecentesco, che una Galleria romana d'Arte antica e moderna allesti' nel 1928. La firma, che il Maestro appone sulle sue tele, ed il sigillo a fuoco, sul retro del telaio, devono ritenersi una encomiabile misura di cautela, affinche' i suoi dipinti non abbiano a venir confusi con quelli del grande Maestro omonimo Claude Joseph o con pitture d'epoca.

La quotazione di questo Artista dev'essere rapportata a quella dei buoni "Autori specializzati, i cui rappresentanti, con nuove tendenze moderne, vanno purtroppo scomparendo.'"

nine patches verso, retouch, yellowed varnish, crackle, stretcher marks, canvas slightly slack, small holes