Description:

HUBERT ROBERT (French 1733-1808) "Personnages Parmi des Ruines," CIRCA 1755,
oil on canvas, with a Frost & Reed label on back.

  • Provenance: Collection of the Clara Mohr Kotch Estate, Houston, Texas. [Frost & Reed, London, ]; ... Private Collection, Houston, Texas, circa 1950.
  • Dimensions: 28 1/4 x 38 1/2 in. (71.8 x 97.8 cm.), Frame: 35 1/4 x 45 1/4 in. (89.5 x 114.9 cm.)
  • Notes: When the French painter Hubert Robert arrived in Rome in 1754 he was so entranced by the marvelous architectural ruins which filled the city that he continued to paint ruins throughout his career. He was a master of architectural capriccios, which earned him the nickname "Robert des ruines." The art historian Joseph Baillio, who is preparing the catalogue raisonné on Robert, reviewed this painting and confirmed that Robert painted this work during his first trip to Rome (1754-1765). According to Baillio, Robert created a series of paintings during his first few years in Rome that all share similar compositional elements, such as the temple ruins overlapping the pyramid of Cestius, which is observed in the work being offered. These early works are usually unsigned. This work will be in Baillio's forthcoming catalogue raisonné.
  • Condition: The painting shows signs of repair and conservation, including inpainting, which is primarily visible in the sky portion of the composition. There is light scattered craquelure throughout. There are a few very small losses and scratches, such as on the pants of the central figure wearing a red vest. There are also two light vertical cracks, one and right (through the pyramid), and one at center left (below the tree branches).

    Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."

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