James Vivien De Fleury (British, 1847-1902)

Pallanza, Lake Maggiore
signed 'JvdeFleury' and dated 1859 lower right, titled verso
oil on canvas
44 x 67cm

The town of Pallanza was founded in Roman times and, due to its strategic location on the lake, was often the site of conflicts and power changes over the centuries. It was only after Italy’s independence from Austrian rule in 1859, the date of the present painting, that the Italian upper classes discovered the Piedmont shore of Lake Maggiore for themselves. Thereafter, the expansion of the railway network and the increasing steamship connections boosted the popularity of the lake as a destination, attracting more and more visitors, including many artists.

Condition Report

70 x 90cm framed