[Nattes, John Claude] 1765-1822. Attributed artist :[Scene in Portugal or Italy? Between 1782 and 1814]

Two pilgrims or monks on a path beside a stream, with two large trees across the stream. In the distance is the tower of a castle. The pilgrims are carrying pilgrims' staves (tall walking sticks topped with crosses), and one wears a buretta, the other a hood. Both are dressed in the brown garb of Franciscan monks.

Said by the donor to be a view of Portugal. This is possible, since it could show two pilgrims making their way to or from Santiago de Compostela in Spain. However the name Nattes appears in sepia ink on the verso of the work, leading to an attribution to French-English artist John (or Jean) Claude Nattes. This artist exhibited many works at the Royal Academy between 1782 and 1814, including scenes near Rome and Florence, in France and in the British Isles, but no views of Portugal. Other works with the same provenance as this have proved to be the work of Frederick John Owen Evans, but they are of Australian and New Zealand scenes.

Quantity: 1 watercolour(s).

Physical Description: Pencil and watercolour, 255 x 185 mm