Jean-Baptiste Pillement

In the present owner's family collection since at least 1900.

Though the designs and subject matter are inspired by Claude-Joseph Vernet, the figures, handling and golden highlights of this well-preserved pair of shipwreck scenes unmistakably point to the hand of Jean-Baptiste Pillement. These works may be dated to the 1780s, when Pillement produced some of his finest maritime compositions. Here, turbulent seas, threatening skies and groups of animated figures create scenes of considerable emotional intensity.

Born in Lyon, Pillement enjoyed one of the most cosmopolitan careers of any 18^th century French artist. His travels took him across Europe, including extended periods in Portugal, Spain, England, Poland, Austria and Italy, where he worked for royal, aristocratic and commercial patrons alike. Although best known today for his capriccios, pastoral landscapes and chinoiserie designs, marine subjects occupied an important place in his later œuvre. In these works he moved beyond the decorative elegance of his earlier landscapes, exploring instead the dramatic effects of weather, atmosphere and the power of nature.