Bonhams next sale of Old Master Paintings at New Bond Street on 9 July 2008 will feature a stunning scene of the Piazza del Popolo in Rome by the Dutch landscape artist Gaspar van Wittel (1653-1736).

Last seen at auction in 1923, the painting is expected to fetch £500,000-700,000. The view of the Piazza del Popolo would have had particular resonance for foreigners on the Grand Tour as it often afforded travellers their first glimpse of Rome.

The Dutch born Gaspar van Wittel completed his training in Amersfoort but moved to Rome in 1675, italianising his name to Vanvitelli. He is one of the principal painters of topographical views known as vedute, a particularly eighteenth century phenomenon. Although the origins of vedutismo can be found in the printed and drawn topographical images of the earlier seventeenth century and in the paintings of Joseph Heintz the younger, Vanvitelli is often considered the first specialist view painter.

Bonhams Old Master Paintings Sale will be held on 9 July 2008 at 101 New Bond Street, London. You can find out more about the sale by visiting the website at www.bonhams.com/vanvitelli

Posted: 07|5|08 at 10:08 am. Filed under: UK News.