18th Century French Port Scene Oil Painting from Provence

Sharing similarities of a mid-17th-century Italian capriccio painting, this French oil painting from Provence depicts fantastical architecture set amongst the more realistic setting of a bustling port. This unsigned painting from the 1700s is after Claude-Joseph Vernet, the 18th-century French painter who was known for his coastal scenes that were dotted with ancient architecture.

Numerous citizens (including a black dog), engaging in activities ranging from fishing to swimming, are enjoying the blue sky, despite the large gray cloud that can be seen in the distance. There are quite a few rowboats on the water, with two massive freighters off the rocky shore in the foreground, which has an accumulation of green moss with some sparse grass coverage. Impressive stone structures can be seen rising from the waters, in front of the distant shore that features a large aqueduct topped by a pergola. A mountain range can be seen even further in the distance, behind additional architecture that lines the utmost coast. The painting is surrounded by a giltwood frame and would make a wonderful wall-mounted piece of art for just about any room of the house.

CONDITION: Good antique condition. Minor nicks and losses to giltwood frame. Light craquelure with some areas of discoloration. Rigged for hanging.

H - 36 3/4, W - 34 1/4, D - 2