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View of Cardinal Montalto's Park

Silvestre Israel

  • View of Cardinal Montalto's Park 2
Basic information
ID
Г-IV-1012
Author
Silvestre Israel
Name
View of Cardinal Montalto's Park
Date of creation
c.1650–1655
Country
France
Technique
etching
Material
paper
Dimensions (height x width, cm)
11.7 x 23
Additionally
Type
graphic art
Genre
cityscape
Plot
City landscape
Provenance
Lviv Historical Museum
Information about author
Author
Silvestre Israel
Artist's lifetime
1621–1691
Country
France
Biography
Silvestre Israel began his career in Paris, which became the European printmaking centre in the first half of the 17th century. The capital was situated at the intersection of artistic ideas from Italy and the Nordic countries, which undoubtedly influenced the young artist's work.
The engraver was the nephew of Henriet Israel, one of the leading publishers in France at the time, who worked with such graphic artists as Jacques Callot, Stefano della Bella, Jean Marot, and Francois Collignon. Jacques Callot's landscapes significantly impacted the formation of the young man's artistic taste.
Supported by his uncle, Silvestre Israel travelled to Italy several times throughout his early career. He made numerous sketches during his travels and proved himself a talented draftsman. Then, he grew interested in the urban landscape reflected in the artist's drawings representing views of Italy's major cities, including Rome, Milan, Naples, Venice, and Pisa.
After returning to Paris, he focused on depicting the architecture of the city and France itself. As a graphic designer, the master executed hundreds of engravings, most representing royal residences, nobility palaces, luxurious parks, and notable historic buildings.
 
Object description
Silvestre Israel created numerous sketches of villas, palaces, and antique ruins while travelling to Italy, which he later used as a basis for his etchings. The etching is a part of the "Vues de Rome et des environs" ("The View of Rome and Surroundings") series, which consists of nine sheets. The etching represents a view of the inner park of Cardinal Montalto-Peretti's villa. The main avenue, flanked by rows of black poplars on both sides, is depicted in the centre of the work. The building of the villa with its main entrance is located at the back. Two more alleys on the right and left lead to the fountains on both sides of the building. The coat of arms of the town Montalto, a shield topped with a crown, is seen at the bottom centre.
Inscriptions
At the bottom left, there is a stamp with the inscription: "ZBIORY RYCIN KONOPKOW"
Legal regulation
Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery

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