Louis-François Cassas
A view of the Qadisha Valley in Lebanon
Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Louis Francois Cassas
(Azay-le-Ferron 1756 - 1827 Versailles)
A view of the Qadisha Valley in Lebanon
Pen and black ink and watercolor;
signed and dated, lower right: L.F. Cassas 1821
535 by 795 mm; 21 by 31¼ in. (sight size)
With Galerie L’Estranger, Paris, where purchased by the present current owner in 2000
From early in his career, Cassas became a specialist in topographical drawings. After a long stay in Rome, he is known to have embarked on his first great trip, in the company of the Duc de Choiseul-Gouffier, French ambassador to Constantinople, which took him, between 1784 and 1787, through many parts of the Near East and Asia Minor.
Wadi Qadisha, which means “sacred valley”, is a location of considerable spiritual significance, which is home to several Christian troglodyte monasteries, such as the one shown on the left of this composition, which may be Deir Mar Elisha, or the Monastery of Saint Elisha.
Another watercolor by Cassas of the same location was sold at Christie’s, Paris, 25 March 2015 lot 168.
See also the following lot.
You May Also Like
