Francis Harding, Roman Ruins, Original Oil on Canvas, 17th Century

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Roman ruins is an original old master artwork realized realized by a follower of the artist Giovanni Paolo Panini and … Read more Roman ruins is an original old master artwork realized realized by a follower of the artist Giovanni Paolo Panini and attributed to Francis Harding (1730-1766). Mixed colored oil on canvas. Includes frame. The work is a replica of Panini's canvas made around 1740, made known by Ferdinando Arisi in his 1986 monograph (Cat.456) as belonging to the Galleria Taccani in Milan and recently reappeared on the London market (Bonhams, 7 Dec. 2011 , Lot. 26). Our version differs from the original in a format tending more to the square, where details have been added, both on the lower and upper side, not present in Panini's work. The rich references to ancient Rome, which can be observed in this composition, were particularly appreciated and requested by foreign travelers, especially French and English; so much so that a real line of production of works inspired by Panini and even reproductions of his works developed in these countries. Among the many artists we remember the Englishman Francis Harding (A.1730-1766), who is credited with numerous replicas of works by Panini, many of which are still preserved today in the English collections: London, Leggatt Brothers, cf. Arisi 1986, p.381, n.299-300; Nostell Priory, West Yorkshire; Saltram, Devon; Stourhead, Wiltshire; Clandon Park, Surrey; The Holburne Museum, Bath; National Trust, Stourhead. Reference bibliography: F. Arisi, Giovanni Paolo Panini and the glories of eighteenth-century Rome, Bozzi Editore, 1986. Expertise by Dr. Patrizio Basso Bondini. See less