FRENCH SCHOOL (Late-18th Century)

SOLDIERS ON HORSEBACK AT THE TEMPLE OF VESTA, TIVOLI
Pen & black ink with watercolour
24.3 x 36.2 cm
 
PROVENANCE:
Carlos Alberto Cruz (d.2013), Chile;
Sold by his estate 2023
 
 
 
 
The so-called Temple of Vesta (whose dedication remains a subject of dispute) in the ancient hill-town of Tivoli was an almost-obligatory visit for every artist passing through Rome in the 18th and 19th centuries. Built in the 1st century BC, it served as a model for numerous follies constructed by milordi and royalty in Britain, Ireland and Poland among others. 
 
Although the artist responsible for the present work remains unknown, the perspective and style are absolutely typical of the mid-to-late 18th century. Numerous artist such as Carle Vernet, Johann Tischbein and Abraham Ducros among many others all visited and drew, painted and engraved the view, which was immensely popular with the Grand Tourists of the day.