Follower of Gaspar van Wittel, called Vanvitelli

Giovanna di Bauffremont, Principessa di Viggiano (1864-1935);
Her deceased sale, Rome, Tavazzi, 15-30 April 1936, lots 190-191, where acquired by Anna L. Pecci Blunt (1885-1971) [according to an inscription on the reverse of both canvases];
Thence by descent to the present owner.

A. Zwollo, Hollandse en Vlaamse veduteschilders te Rome 1675-1725, Assen 1973, p. 135, no. 290 (as autograph);
G. Briganti, eds. L. Laureati & L. Trezzani, Gaspar van Wittel, Milan 1996, p. 145, reproduced (as copies).

Both canvases have old, firm relinings. The paint surfaces are secure, though flat and a little dirty, and the colours and details of the works are well-preserved. No major damages are apparent to either work. Both works have a little old craquelure in the sky, and a fine line, possibly marking where the canvas was previously folded or framed to, around 10cm. in from and parallel to the upper margin. Inspection under UV light reveals a handful of scattered spot retouchings to the sky and ground in the painting with a carriage, with the most notable area of retouching to the base of the fountain to the right. There are more retouchings and strengthenings in the work with a donkey but these are still focused more on the sky and are also sensitively applied. Further retouchings may be masked by the varnish covering both works. The paintings are offered in gilt wood and plaster frames in fairly good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Together these two canvases recreate a composition by Vanvitelli (see Briganti, under Literature, p.145, no. 35). It is possible that they once formed a continuous view in a single canvas.