Lot 200: - Christian Stöcklin , Geneva 1741 - 1795 Frankfurt Capriccio with Architectural ruins and a distant view over a lake oil on canvas

signed and indistinctly dated lower centre on the box: Stocklin inv.1... oil on canvas

measurements note 67.5 by 162.5 cm.; 26 1/2 by 64 in.

The discovery of this signed work makes an interesting addition to the oeuvre of Christian Stocklin who predominantly painted church interiors. Capriccio landscapes by the artist are known but the present painting appears to be by far his most ornate work.

Stocklin's early training was in Bologna under the architect, painter and theatre set designer Antonio Galli Bibiena (1700-1774) whose influence can be detected here. In a manner reminiscent of a theatrical set Stocklin has used the architecture of the palace on the left and the ruin on the right to frame the view of the town and lake in the distance.