Attributed to Louis Gadbois (1770-1826), landscape of the Italian countryside, gouache on paper

Fine gouache attributed to Louis Gadbois (work authenticated by an expert), dating from the late 18th / early 19th century, depicting a landscape of the Italian countryside enlivened by washerwomen, in a balanced and luminous composition. In the foreground, several female figures are busy washing linen at the edge of a watering place, while the landscape opens gradually onto a rolling distance, punctuated by slender trees and gentle reliefs. The scene is bathed in a clear and atmospheric light, typical of the idealised views of Italy favoured by artists of the late 18th century. The palette, refined and harmonious, blends soft greens, delicate blues and warm ochres. The treatment of the landscape, the aerial depth and the delicacy of the figures are fully in keeping with the tradition of Italian-inspired genre scenes and animated landscapes of the Neoclassical period. Good overall condition.