Capriccio with ruins and figures, oil painting on canvas, early 18th century

Grand landscape with ruins from 1700. Capriccio with ruins and figures, oil painting on canvas, early 18th century, good condition.

Capriccio is a term coined at the end of the Renaissance and has several meanings with a common point. Capriccio was a movement of the soul, more precisely an excitation of the imagination, which gave rise to various visualizations. From an artistic perspective, there is no doubt that the Capriccio genre developed in the Eternal City in the early decades of the 17th century and was inspired by the ruins of the classical era. 

This canvas is essentially ruined, as the landscape plays a secondary role in the composition. The unidentified ruins here have a suggestive template, meaning they utilize their emotional potential to outline imaginary landscapes. The scene is symbolically observed by a Roman knight, with two beggars sitting on the rubble, as if emphasizing the fall of the classical world. 

The painting has been relined and restored into a new frame; it has undergone restoration and has several additional paint layers. The frame is French, from the 19th century. 

The artwork is accompanied by a certificate of market approval.

Exceptional antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Currently, there is a growing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that possess a distinct character and soul. This is a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the design of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its own distinctive features.

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Empire-style furniture and accessories date from the late 18th to early 19th century. Everything stems from Napoleon’s reign, which imposed a significant resemblance and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture is associated with Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Interesting and noteworthy are antique products in Rococo style and Louis XV. Next is Baroque, whose name derives from the Portuguese 'barocco' – meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces meant to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Unique, selectively used materials were employed to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

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