Capriccio in the Roman Countryside. Signed David 1794 on the verso. Oil-painted paper on antique stretcher.

47 x 59 cm

This painting depicts some figures sitting on archaeological remains in a landscape typical of the Roman countryside.

An architectural caprice indebted to Poussin's classicism, but built in the midst of the neoclassical era, as the date attests, in full Grand Tour style.

The allure of the uncontaminated Roman countryside, dotted with classical ruins, held an irresistible attraction for painters and international patrons of the time.

Since it is a well-preserved painting on paper and re-stretched on an ancient frame, it could also be a preliminary sketch for a work on canvas.

The name David and the date 1794 stamped on the back of the canvas could indicate the title of the scene and, obviously, the date of creation."