Jacob Fabris (Venezia, 1689 - 1761)

Jacob Fabris (Venice, 1689 - 1761) (LINK DETAILS) Architectural capriccio with classical ruins of Ancient Rome Oil on canvas (cm. 56 x 112 - with frame cm. 77 x 130) Expertise by Prof. Emilio Negro (Bologna) The work under examination, well preserved and for which the relative pendant is available (link), depicts a wide view with ruins of Roman antiquities assembled in such a way as to create an imaginative scenario, where there are more or less dilapidated constructions of various kinds such as arches and amphitheatres, colonnades, altars, statues, reliefs, fragments of cornices. The blue sky enlivened by clouds and the presence of foliage 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 characters arranged in small groups, which mark the composition introducing a narrative element. We are faced with a work of high collectible level, executed around the middle of the 18th century by the painter of Venetian origins Jacopo Fabris (Venice, 1689 - Charlottenborg, 1761), reflecting both from the 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 bring this canvas closer to the series of Roman views happily grouped in the painter's catalog. Fabris' pictorial production is closely linked to the activity of scenographer and theater painter, creating numerous perspective views mostly inspired by characteristic Roman or Venetian glimpses, almost always integrated by fantastic inserts. His views were collected by the European aristocracy during the ritual Grand Tour in Italy, appreciated and requested by wealthy foreign tourists who craved to possess, upon their return home, in addition to the more canonical perspective views, also this genre of architectural scenery of fantasy as a luxurious souvenir. Fabris specialized in the painting of architectural views first in Venice, his hometown, which he left around 1720 to go to Rome, where he came into contact with Canaletto, who had also arrived in the papal city. However, most of his career took place abroad: in Germany, as court painter in Karlsruhe (1719-21) in Hamburg (1724-8), and at the Berlin Opera at 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 falls most of the known perspective inventions of Jacopo Fabris, and it is precisely in this phase of his life that we can verossimilmente place the realization of our canvas. The comparison with the decoration that the Venetian created in 1750 in the ancient dining room overlooking the garden of the castle of Fredensborg, consisting of ten large paintings and three smaller panels for the doors, all depicting similar partially fantastic views with ruins and lively figurines, is easy in this regard. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The painting is completed by a pleasant gilded wooden frame and is sold accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic sheet. We take care of and organize the transport of the works purchased, 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/