A Pair of early 19th century capriccio landscapes depicting figures amongst ruins in an Italianate landscape. Oil on canvases in 18th century style giltwood and gesso frames. 

These 'capriccio' or fantasy landscapes of improbable groupings of buildings and ruins in arcadian landscapes were popular with wealthy and aristocratic travellers in the 18th century on their 'Grand Tour' as souvenirs of their travels which they took back to decorate the walls of their grand houses. Artists who specialised in this genre of painting included Giovanni Paolo Panini, Claude-Joseph Vernet and Francesco Guardi.

Giovanni Paolo Panini (1691-1765) was a painter and architect who worked mainly in Rome. He became best known for his vistas of Rome and scenes of it's architectural antiquities and ruins often in imaginary groupings known as a 'capriccio'. He also painted portraits, including one of Pope Benedict XIV and 'verdute' which were paintings of picture galleries containing paintings with views of Rome.