Pair of Antique Italian Capriccio Landscape Paintings, Circa 1850

During the Renaissance, an Italian style of painting known as capriccio was introduced. Capriccio paintings, such as our pair from circa 1850, depict architectural “fantasies”, pairing grandiose buildings, fountains, and ruins in a fictitious landscape setting, often dotted with travelers, animals, and workers known as staffage. Both are presented with giltwood frames adorned with a textured border.

One painting features a massive promenade with two tiers of stone steps, lined with small, erupting fountains, carved lions, and statues. Two high-reaching vertical jets of water rise from the steep spillway that terminates in an aqueduct bridge. Boulders beneath the arch of the aqueduct provide makeshift rapids, as multiple lion mascaron fountain elements add additional water to the large pool. Many citizens can be seen, most ascending the steps or enjoying a respite in the shade provided by large trees on the outside of the stairs.

A colossal building fronted by a colonnade can be seen in the other painting. There is a large center fountain in front of the structure, set within a clearing of a large forest dominated by green canopies with a few autumnal colors such as brown and orange. A vibrant sky can be seen above the trees, with pink and orange sun-splashed clouds. Various citizens and even a dog engage in leisurely activities, including three gentlemen gathered around a dilapidated column in front of the stone steps.

Measuring roughly four feet tall by three feet wide, our pair of Italian capriccio paintings would make fantastic pieces of art to hang in a spacious area, such as an entryway, library, or living room.