Andrea Locatelli (Rome 1695-1741)

The composition of the present lot is very typical for Locatelli, with two groves of trees framing the hilltop town in the distance. This arrangement, with the classical figures in the foreground, can also be found in paintings by his contemporary Jan Frans van Bloemen. Locatelli painted an almost identical version, of unknown whereabouts, which is of somewhat lesser quality. It is very rare for Locatelli to repeat a composition, however if it proved very successful, he would paint another, but would always incorporate minor differences.