SIR HERBERT JAMES GUNN, R.A. | The Garden of the Villa D'Este

Gifted by the artist to the family of Sir William Hutchison;
Christie's, London, 7 June 1990, lot 48

London, The Fine Art Society, Paintings of Rome, February 1924, no.14

Original canvas. The work appears to be in excellent original condition. Some rubbing to the upper right hand framing edge. A minor surface scratch in the lower left hand corner. UV light inspection reveals no evidence of any retouching or restoration. Held in an attractive and decorative gilt frame.
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There are various buildings called Villa d’Este, but the present picture almost certainly depicts the famously beautiful gardens at Tivoli near Rome. Gunn visited Rome and the surrounding countryside several times and painted a street scene entitled Tivoli in 1928 (Christie’s, 6 June 1991, lot 6) which may be contemporary with the present view.