Lot 1: Maecenas' Villa, Tivoli

Jacob More (1740-1793) Maecenas' Villa, Tivoli with inscription 'Jacob More...' (on fragment attached to reverse of backboard) and further inscribed 'Mecenna's [ sic ] Villa/at Tivoli' (on a fragment attached to reverse of backboard) pencil and watercolour 20 x 28 in. (50.8 x 71.1 cm.)

London, Fine Art Society,
Watercolours 1780-1950
, 1978, no. 98.

THE PROPERTY OF THE HUNTER BLAIR FAMILY

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The villa of Maecenas at Tivoli was an incredibly popular subject for landscape painters because it was situated so dramatically at the top of the cascade. It also had a moral element, representing the very highest achievements of classical civilisation, but in its ruined state also signifying the decadence and decline of that culture. Born in 70BC, Maecenas was a cultured and well-educated man whose name has become a byword for a wealthy patron. He was most famous for his patronage of Virgil, who dedicated the Georgics to him, and who also encouraged Maecenas' support of Horace.

For a note on the artist see lot 3.