Two Views of the Castle Konigstein by Bernardo Bellotto.

Acquisition of a pair of paintings by Bernardo Bellotto, both Views of the Castle of Konigstein, in Saxony. The first is the Castle seen from the south. The view includes several buildings within the fortification; the Brunnenhaus in background to left, behind which can be seen the Georgenburg, with the Magdalenenburg in foreground to right. Lawn across foreground to right and centre, with women hanging washing out on a line in the bottom right corner, and two figures with a small cat or dog to the right of centre. A paved courtyard to the left of the centre, shadowed by the Magdalenenburg, scattered with small groups of people. The second is the Castle seen from the west. The view shows the Georgenburg to left, the Brunnenhaus in centre background and the Old Arsenal to right, within the fortified walls of the castle. Walled garden in centre with topiary obelisks and a small pagoda. A man and woman seated against the garden wall in foreground to right, groups of men and women along the main pathway to left. Painted c1756-1758. Both oil on canvas; 132.1 x 236.2cms