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Lot Essay
The present work is a sketch for the larger picture in the Pushkin Museum, Moscow (signed and dated 1768). The Pushkin picture was part of a group of paintings ordered in 1768 by the Empress of Russia, Catherine II via her ambassador the Prince Dimitri Alexievitch Galitzin. Vernet, Boucher, Louis Michel Van Loo, Vien, Demachy and Casanova were asked to contribute paintings to the series. Only Vernet and Boucher failed to execute their works. In 1769 the paintings were sent to Russia.
The present picture is probably the modello shown by Demachy to Galitzin. As well as being more freely painted, the modello differs slightly from the final composition. The figure groups are simplified and various details which are present in the final picture, such as the dog accompanying the man coming down the stairs, are omitted.
As pointed out by Mrs Marie-Pierre Petkovska, this picture shows the artist's debt to the art of Servandoni and his passion for perspective. It can, in this respect, be compared to another chef-d'oeuvre of the artist, the Ruined temple which was the artist's reception piece to the Académie in 1759, and is now in the Musée du Louvre.
The present picture will be included in the forthcoming catalogue raisonné of works by the artist being prepared by Mrs. Petkovska.
The present picture is probably the modello shown by Demachy to Galitzin. As well as being more freely painted, the modello differs slightly from the final composition. The figure groups are simplified and various details which are present in the final picture, such as the dog accompanying the man coming down the stairs, are omitted.
As pointed out by Mrs Marie-Pierre Petkovska, this picture shows the artist's debt to the art of Servandoni and his passion for perspective. It can, in this respect, be compared to another chef-d'oeuvre of the artist, the Ruined temple which was the artist's reception piece to the Académie in 1759, and is now in the Musée du Louvre.
The present picture will be included in the forthcoming catalogue raisonné of works by the artist being prepared by Mrs. Petkovska.