Circle of Nicolas Lancret (Paris 1690-1743)

This composition relates to a painting by Lancret, of vertical format (Palazzo Barbarini, Rome), from a series of The Four Elements commissioned by Jacques-Louis Béringhen, Marquis de Chateau-Neuf, before 1732. Bernard Audran's engraving after the original work may have provided the source for this painting, since both are in the reverse. The feu de joie (bonfire) in Lancret's composition may be a reference to the St. John's Fire, which was lit each year to commemorate the birth of Saint John the Baptist.