Jacopo Fabris (Venezia, 1689 - 1761)

Jacopo Fabris (Venice, 1689 - 1761) Architectural capriccio with ancient classical ruins Oil on canvas 56 x 112 cm - with frame 77 x 130 cm Expertise by prof. Emilio Negro (Bologna) The work in question, well-preserved and for which the corresponding pendant is available (link), depicts a wide view with ruins of Roman antiquities assembled to create an imaginative scenario, where there are more or less dilapidated buildings of various kinds such as arches and amphitheaters, colonnades, altars, statues, reliefs, fragments of cornices. The blue sky enlivened by clouds and the presence of fronds and plant elements well inserted among the archaeological remains add great charm to the views, illuminated by a golden light and enlivened by the presence of several picturesque figures arranged in small groups, which mark the composition by introducing a narrative element. We are faced with a work of high collector's level, executed around the mid-eighteenth century by the painter of Venetian origin Jacopo Fabris (Venice, 1689 - Charlottenborg, 1761), reflecting both from a stylistic point of view and for the composite choices his grandiose views of Rome, commissioned during his career by the noble patricians of the major European courts. The attribution is confirmed by the technical characteristics, such as the luminous quality of the color and the vibrant rendering of the human figures, elements that easily associate this canvas to the series of Roman views happily grouped in the painter's catalog. Fabris' pictorial production is closely linked to the activity of set designer and theater painter, creating numerous perspective views mostly inspired by characteristic Roman or Venetian views, almost always integrated with fantastic inserts. His views were collected by the European aristocracy during the ritual Grand Tour in Italy, appreciated and requested by the wealthy foreign tourists who craved to own, upon their return home, in addition to the more canonical perspective views, also this kind of fantastic architectural scenery as a luxurious souvenir. Fabris specialized in painting architectural views first in Venice, his hometown, which he left around 1720 to go to Rome, where he came into contact with Canaletto, who also arrived in the papal city. Most of his career, however, took place abroad: in Germany, as a court painter in Karlsruhe (1719-21) in Hamburg (1724-8), and at the Berlin Opera in the service of Frederick II the Great, and then in Denmark, where he arrived in 1746 at the court of King Frederick IV. Very active between Copenhagen and Charlottenborg, in this latter period are placed the majority of the known perspective inventions of Jacopo Fabris, and it is precisely in this phase of his life that we can plausibly place the realization of our canvas. In this regard, it is easy to compare it with the decoration that the Venetian made in 1750 in the old dining room overlooking the garden of Fredensborg Castle, consisting of ten large paintings and three smaller panels for the doors, all depicting similar partially fantastic views with ruins and lively figures. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The painting is completed by a pleasant gilded wooden frame and is sold with a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic sheet. We take care of and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. Contact us for any information, we will be happy to answer you. Follow us also on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/