Circle of Claude-Joseph Vernet, French 1714-1789- Capriccios of fisherfolk unloading their catch on the shores of a harbour with shipping, fortified promontories and woodland; oil on canvas, a pair, one bears inscription on the stretcher Salle 8 M Coulurier 2 Tableaux, ea. 225x335cm., (2) Note: These large landscapes follow a similar style and format to Joseph Claude Vernet’s pairs of canvases produced during the second half of the 18th century. Vernet was renowned for his Mediterranean harbour scenes, particularly after he was commissioned to produce large scale topographical views of the Ports of France for Louis XV. Between 1753 and 1765 Vernet completed 15 of the 24 compositions all depicting the major military and commercials ports around the French coast. Although we are unable to determine the exact location depicted in the present pair of oils it is likely to show a Northern European - possibly French - capriccio, with fishermen and locals going about their daily lives in the foreground and distance. These tranquil settings were increasingly sought after during the late 18th and early 19th centuries so to adorn the walls of large houses across Europe. The setting was to portray a simple way of life with views of Italian inspired landscapes set against a sunset or sunrise on the horizon, giving an overall notion of Arcadia. Interestingly there is an amalgamation of styles and themes within the present landscapes; the Italian feeling, along with the hints of classically inspired architecture, coincides with the northern European naturalism used in the portrayal of the figures - a theme also seen in Vernet’s depictions. The overall effect is a peaceful vista in which the figures contribute to the scene and do not detract or pull focus from the form of the overall composition. Please refer to department for condition report