Louis Dupre (1789-1837), Original lithograph hand coloured w...

Hammer

£1,100

Louis Dupre (1789-1837), Original lithograph hand coloured with watercolour, Titled L'Acropolis Vu de la Maison du Consul de France Mr Fauvel / The Acropolis as seen from the house of Mr Fauvel, French Consul in Athens, Greece (1802-1833). Depicting the veranda of the house occupied by the French Ambassador Mr M F Fauvel being served tea by his Greek housekeeper Aneta while he is painting. The Classical statues visible had impressed Dupre and earlier Chateaubriand. The view of the Acropolis beyond adds extreme importance to the overall scene. From his travel book Voyage a Athenes et a Constantinople, published in Paris 1825. Plate number, titled under with embossed blind stamp with Dupre's monogram. Lithographer: Thierry Freres, Paris. The composition combines historical, cultural and artistic elements full of details, with its meticulous painting technique, careful composition and rich, warm colour palette, Dupre provides an exceptional example of 19thC art. Unframed. Plate approx. 13 3/4" x 16"

French Consul Louis-Fauvel's first visit to Greece between 1780-1782 resulted in the completion of the 'Voyage Picturesque de la Grece'. He settled permanently in Athens in 1793 continuing his archaeological work and sending items he had discovered from the Parthenon to the Louvre in Paris. Returning to France in 1801 he participated in the work of the institute. He returned to Greece as Vice-Consul of France, and competed with Lord Elgin's agents for marbles from the Parthenon. He became the mentor and supporter of Kyriakos Pittakis, the future Ephor General of Antiquities in Athens. After his house was destroyed in 1825 he fled the fighting to Smyrna where he died in 1838. It is believed Fauvel commissioned the work when Dupre stayed at his house to decorate his office and present his passion for antiquities.

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