Quay, Italian City

Little Parlor Fireplace,
Winter Scenarion 2011

Status

Not on view

Label Text

This charming harbor and market scene appears to show 17th century Dutch ships in an Italian harbor, and was likely produced by a follower of renowned French artist Claude Lorrain. The painting it is not an exact copy after any known work, but features elements found in various Claude harbor scenes. Though the early history of this work remains undocumented, it may have been owned by George Washington. Washington had acquired a landscape after Claude for Mount Vernon as early as 1758, and he acquired a number of prints after the artist in the late 1790s.

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Date1650-1775

Artist Unknown

After Claude Lorrain (French, 1604 - 1682)

Geography Possibly made - EnglandPossibly made - France

Medium/TechniqueOil on canvas; gilt wood

DimensionsOverall (Canvas): 15 1/2 in. x 22 in. (39.37 cm x 55.88 cm) Overall (Frame): 20 in. x 26 1/4 in. (50.8 cm x 66.68 cm)

Credit LinePurchase, 1954

Object numberW-1959/A-C

DescriptionHorizontal, rectangular harbor and market scene framed by Italianate architecture and gardens at proper left, three large masted 17th century ships in the background, and two smaller (rowing) vessels in the middle and foreground. The largest of the ships, which has meticulously drawn rigging, appears to be in the baroque style with extensive fenestration and decorative carving at the stern, describing five levels of decks. It features blue and white embellishments on the proper right side, and four flags. Two of these including the largest are in the red, white, and blue of the 17th century Dutch flag. A pale blue flag flies above the bow, and a large white flag with a black cross or band flies just above the stern. Behind the buildings at proper left, a blue and gold ship with large lamps is shown from the side. The farthest vessel, shown between these two in the distance, echoes the shape and style of the largest, but is so pale as to appear almost spectral.

The market scene is lively, with fourteen distinct arrangements of figures on shore and in rowing vessels. Among them are men, women, and children, in a range of antiquated costumes and hats, with a prominent use of red in costume details. The figures are presented dynamically, gesturing toward or interacting with each other, and/or transferring parcels ashore. Some figures are barely discernible due to losses and craquelure. Notable figures include a seemingly regal pair on the staircase landing, between two urns that adorn the bas relief carved staircase. The gentleman is attired in a long red cape and an elaborate white and gold headdress, and they are followed by a smaller companion, perhaps a child, with a dark complexion. At the bow of the foreground rowboat, a man appears to be either trumpeting or unfurling a red flag, perhaps communicating with the larger ship behind.
A figure carrying a blue sack is presented at the proper right corner of the building façade, while another dressed entirely in black stands in front of the building’s doorway. Three dogs (two white, and one gray) are shown in the foreground.

At proper left, the earth colored buildings frame the line of the harbor, and two chimneys rise from each of the tower buildings. Four cypress trees and other green foliage delineate tiered palace or garden walls; other low shrubs or foliage in the same tones appear in the central foreground. The water is also green, in a similar shade to the cypress and other foliation. The sky is light blue with cream colored clouds, tinged pink.

The work was framed in the present 19th century gilt wood frame in 1957.

Published ReferencesHumphrey Wine, Claude, the Poetric Landscape (London: National Gallery Publications, 1994). (General Reference)

Elizabeth Wheeler Manwaring, Italian Landscape in Eighteenth Century England (New York: Russell & Russell, 1965). (General Reference)

Marcel Roethlisberger, Claude Lorrain, The Paintings (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1961). (General Reference)

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