Large Painting On Canvas of building in Sevilla circa 1920
This is one of two paintings on canvas which, although unsigned, clearly originate from the same artist, as evidenced by the consistent use of colour, structure, and style. This particular painting illustrates a villa or building from the 19th century or earlier in Sevilla, and both artworks feature fountains as central elements.
Large Painting On Canvas of Palais Longchamp In Marseille circa 1920
Thought to represent the Palais Longchamp in Marseille, constructed as a majestic water reservoir surrounded by parklands. The companion piece portrays a villa or another structure in Sevilla; both artworks feature fountains prominently.
History of Palais Longchamp:
The ‘Palais Longchamp’ is an essential visit in Marseille, boasting a stunning park and serving as a historical monument that was constructed to supply water to the city, marking it as an architectural marvel.
In 1835, a cholera outbreak devastated the Phocaean city due to a water shortage. Following this calamity, Franz Mayor de Montricher, an alumnus of the esteemed Ponts et Chaussées, was appointed to realize a 16th-century concept: carving out an 85km canal to channel water from the Durance river to Marseille.
A decade of diligent labour resulted in the construction of 18 aqueduct bridges, ensuring a supply of potable water to Marseille. The architect Henry Espérandieu, renowned for designing the Notre-Dame Basilica, orchestrated the water’s arrival at the Longchamp plateau, an impressive architectural work from 1682 to 1869.
Flanking the water reservoir, an open colonnade extends towards two museums, overlooking a cascade on the urban side and a spacious garden on the park side.
Following its inauguration in 1869, the ‘Palais Longchamp’ was adorned with sculptures by various artists. The entrance features lion and tiger sculptures by the animal sculptor Antoine Louis Barye, while the central fountain, a grand creation by Jules Cavelier, represents the arrival of water from the Durance river.
To the left, the Museum of Fine Arts, established in 1801 and the oldest museum in Marseille, showcases paintings, drawings, and sculptures from the 17th and 18th centuries.
On the right, the Natural History Museum presents a collection of 18th-century curiosities donated by the city and state. In 1967, it was designated a first-class museum alongside nine other prominent museums, recognized for its exceptional exhibitions.
