(Flörsheim 1718–1791 Frankfurt am Main)
A river landscape with ancient ruins,
oil on canvas, 72 x 142 cm, framed

We are grateful to Gerhard Kölsch for confirming the attribution of the present painting after examination in the original (written communication).

Christian Georg Schütz painted a series of fifteen overdoors and mantelpieces commissioned by Landgrave Ludwig VIII of Hesse-Kassel for Wilhelmstal Castle. This commission is well-documented. The last delivery took place in 1752. One of these overdoors is very similar to the present painting, both in composition as well as for its intended position (oil on canvas, 79.3 x 111 cm, Museumslandschaft Hessen Kassel, Schloss Wilhelmshöhe (Depot), inv. no. 1.1.139). The present painting, which on its upper corner may have originally been of engaged shape, was also intended as an overdoor.

The Wilhelmstal version, however, features fewer medallions in the architecture to the right and also omits other details. Following first hand inspection of both versions, Gerhard Kölsch also dates the present painting to around 1752. It was possibly a variation of the Wilhelmstal commision, but the original concept has been amended to fit a wider format. Both paintings are very italianate in feeling, and still reflect the influences of Italian vedute painting on his early work. In both paintings, details such as the statue or parts of the architecture, are directly inspired by an engraving (sheet 2 from the series Racolta di 12 paesi inventate e dipinte dal celebre Marco Ricci, Giuliano Giampiccoli after Marco Ricci, circa 1740/50, British Museum, London, 31.8 x 43.1 cm, inv. no. 1951,0714.286).