Constantin d'Aix, Animated Landscape with Roman Soldiers, 18th-19th Century, Gouache on Paper, Framed

Details

Description

Rocky landscape animated by Roman soldiers in armor: pen and ink wash drawing, gouache or watercolor, in a gilded wooden … Read more Rocky landscape animated by Roman soldiers in armor: pen and ink wash drawing, gouache or watercolor, in a gilded wooden frame from the Louis XVI period

Drawing attributed to Jean Antoine Constantin known as Constantin d'Aix, Marseille artist based in Aix en Provence: after studying in Rome, he returned to France and devoted himself to painting and drawing landscapes
In 1787 and until the Revolution, he was appointed director of the drawing school of Aix-en-Provence (his students included François-Marius Granet and Auguste de Forbin) then professor of the school of Digne under the Empire.
He returned to Aix in 1813, where he settled permanently. Throughout his life, Granet and Forbin supported him, allowing him to receive the gold medal at the Paris Exhibition in 1817, the title of Knight of the Legion of Honor in 1833, as well as a lifetime pension.
Very popular with Provençal families, he is often considered the “father of Provençal painting”. He indeed played a key role in the emergence of a taste for landscape in this region, but also beyond, thanks to his students, many of whom had careers more prestigious than his.
Constantin drew on the motif, using wash to capture a chosen point of view as faithfully as possible, or the pen to fill his numerous sketchbooks. He also enjoyed drawing sites and views of cities, which he then reworked in his studio, sometimes mixing brown and gray ink in a more elaborate manner.

Old restorations, one fold, changed master key

Dimensions with frame: 89 x 75.5 cm
Drawing dimensions: 39.5 x 31cm This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution See less