Suite Of 18th Century Painted Canvases After Lancret Fêtes Galantes Or The Elements

Large series of six painted canvases forming the wall decoration of an 18th century interior. Southern painted canvases of a decor of gallant festivals which represent the four elements: earth, air, fire, water and two country sènes. "Earth", a group of young people gardening and picking fruit next to an ornamental fountain. "Air", a man standing on a table blowing soap bubbles, while others build card castles. "Fire", a group dancing around a large bonfire, or fireworks. "Water", a group helping a fisherman with his net loaded with fish. "Country scene", a couple picking fruit. "Country scene", a man playing the flute. The scenes, in shades of bistre color, take place in large oval rocky frames, with leafy scrolls, all framed by flowering branches. The scenes are taken from prints by Nicolas LANCRET (1690-1743), engraved around 1730 by Charles-Nicolas COCHIN (1715-1790) and Benoît AUDRAN the Younger (1698-1772). The engravings are published "In Paris At the Widow of F. Chereau, engraver of the King, St. Jacques Street with two golden pillars, with privilege of the King." and measure 43 x 33 cm. Provenance: Languedoc mansion Dimensions: Earth: 2.70 mx 2.42 m Air: 2.60 mx 2.46 m Fire 2.68 mx 1.85 m Water 2.67 mx 1.62 m Couple with fruit: 2.70 mx 80 cm Flute player: 2.70 mx 1.15 m Restoration required: wear, stains, accidents.