The Crossing of a Cathedral with Ladies and Gentlemen promenading and Peasants plying their wears

Pierre Antoine de Machy was one of the leading exponents of fantasy architectural paintings of his day. He studied with Panini's pupil, Jean-Nicolas Servandoni, a prominent theatrical designer, and like him de Machy's capricci of ruins and church interiors are reminiscent of Panini's style. He first established his reputation in scenography, painting stage sets for productions at the College Louis-le-Grand in 1759 and at the Opera in 1760, some two years after he was accepted into the Acadmie. In 1786 he became a professor of perspective at the Acadmie.

The present work can be compared to a signed pair of paintings of Cathedral views sold in these Rooms, Jan. 12, 1996, lot 123 ($70,000) and to a similar view also sold at Christie's, New York, May 23, 1997, lot 112 ($23,000).