Lot 1069 Nα

This Arcadian landscape with shepherds by the Tuscan painter Francesco Zuccarelli, who was active in Venice, is characterised by pastel tones and a delicate style. The composition is clearly modelled on the works of the Venetian Marco Ricci and the Fleming Nicolaes Berchem, who also enjoyed a great reputation throughout Europe due to the popularity of printed reproductions of their works. Zuccarelli's figures in their plain attire reflect a successful synthesis between the depiction of simple peasant life and an elegant, classical atmosphere. The latter is entirely in keeping with the sophistication of 18th century Venetian fashion, which established Zuccarelli's great fame in the lagoon city and in Great Britain.