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Lot Essay
In a landscape framed by two sculpted groups (probably showing the Triumph of Love) and by two palm trees is a monumental fountain formed by a grandiose structure made of two aisles crowned by statues of winged horses and topped by a circular construction on columns, similar to a classical tempietto. On the pediment at the center of the composition are the initials JB, most likely referring to the patron. In the middle of the fountain is a large, sculpted group representing Venus being crowned with Mars' helmet and in the foreground nymphs bathing and swans.
Delafosse was an architect, ornamentist, painter and engraver. Influenced by Piranesi, he was instrumental in establishing neoclassicism in France. His Nouvelle iconologie historique, published in 1768, had a lasting influence on French decorative arts of the period.
Delafosse produced many architectural drawings, but the present sheet is the only known mythological capriccio. The architecture seems to be inspired by drawings by Michel-Ange Challe (1718-1778) while the figures of the fountain evoke some works by Gabriel de Saint-Aubin (1724-1780).
Delafosse was an architect, ornamentist, painter and engraver. Influenced by Piranesi, he was instrumental in establishing neoclassicism in France. His Nouvelle iconologie historique, published in 1768, had a lasting influence on French decorative arts of the period.
Delafosse produced many architectural drawings, but the present sheet is the only known mythological capriccio. The architecture seems to be inspired by drawings by Michel-Ange Challe (1718-1778) while the figures of the fountain evoke some works by Gabriel de Saint-Aubin (1724-1780).