Possibly by François Desportes, 'Study of Two Trees', about 1700
| Full title | Study of Two Trees |
|---|---|
| Artist | Possibly by François Desportes |
| Artist dates | 1661 - 1743 |
| Date made | about 1700 |
| Medium and support | Oil on paper laid on cardboard |
| Dimensions | 27.1 × 40.2 cm |
| Acquisition credit | The Gere Collection, on long-term loan to the National Gallery |
| Inventory number | L859 |
| Location | On loan: Gere Collection Paintings to the Ashmolean (2024 - 2026), The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, Oxford, UK |
| Image copyright | The Gere Collection, on long-term loan to the National Gallery, © Private collection 2003. Used by permission |
| Collection | Main Collection |
The attribution of this study of two intertwining tree trunks has proved very difficult and the particular site has not been identified. The present attribution to Desportes is suggested because the artist and his studio particularly valued the skilful painting of such naturalistic subjects. Desportes was known for his hunting landscapes and portraits of royal hunting dogs, but an inventory of the contents of his studio made in 1784 mentions sketches of tree trunks and plants. These would have been incorporated into the backgrounds of his paintings.
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