Lot 23 Dα

Ferg continued the depiction of bamboccianti scenes initially conceived by painters such as Lingelbach, Dujardin or Wouwerman into the 18th century. Set in vast landscapes, his compositions of everyday life charm the viewer with their detailed richness.
The present monogrammed painting is a typical example of his work. Depicted in dominantly ochre tones, interrupted only by light pink and blue hues, the scene offers the view of a motley crowd: Scuffling men, calm card players and resting travelers in front of a tavern. The enchanting composition stretches into a wide Italianate landscape with a castle. The picture, with its charming figural staffage and dynamic composition, can be dated to after 1724, the year Ferg settled in London. This date can be assumed due to the presence of the monogram FV which appears in most of his paintings from the English period. The V is supposedly indicative of the English spelling of Ferg's hometown Vienna.