Landscape

Artist Alessandro Magnasco (Italian, 1667–1749)

Datefirst half of the 18th century

Mediumoil on canvas

Dimensions127.2 x 89.7 cm (50 1/16 x 35 5/16 in.)

ClassificationsPaintings

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Terms

canvas

Object number1923.210

Label TextAlessandro Magnasco was born in Genoa, the son of a painter. He was sent to Milan at the age of ten to study for a business trade but soon turned to painting. His early style shows the influence of the Milanese painters, Morazzone and Crespi. His favorite subject was landscape, and his mature work is characterized by its highly romantic, emotion-charged quality. This painting is a fine example of Magnasco's mature style. He peopled his landscapes with small, active figures, often monks, or the peasants and washerwomen seen here. The trees, the distant mountains, and the feathery cloud masses are all painted in a free, impressionistic manner, which enhances the momentary quality of the image. Splashes of paint are allowed to act as solid forms.ProvenanceMax Rothschild, London England

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