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Maker Once Known
Two Architectural Capricci Deux caprices architecturaux
1760 fin 18e siècle

These two capricci, or fantasy scenes, with arched tops were painted to hang as a pendant pair, possibly on either side of a door or window. Each shows a prominent archway next to a canal, numerous figures going about their day, small boats and merchant ships, and buildings along the water’s edge. The scenes open toward each other but without forming a continuous image. The left panel features a tall archway on thin rectangular piers attached to a wall at the left. A figure descends stairs on the other side of the archway. Several figures wear elegant attire suggestive of an elevated social status. Imposing villas fill just over half the height of the archway’s opening, and a portal opens to a walled estate on the other side of the canal.

Maker Once Known
Italian Italian
Two Architectural Capricci Deux caprices architecturaux
1760 fin 18e siècle
Oil on canvas Huile sur toile
height / width: 142.00 x 98.30 cm; 55.91 x 38.70 in.
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Alfred Bader, 1980 Don de Dr et Mme Alfred Bader, 1980
23-039.01

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