Landscape with Ruins and Archway

The early landscapes of Giuseppe Zais are similar in style to those of his master and fellow-countryman, Marco Ricci. In the grandiose Ruins and Achway a dramatic pictorial quality is achieved by the use of strong chiaroscuro effects. In the 1740s his rustic scenes acquire a simplicity and sincerity more like the pastoral scenes of Zuccarelli with their more light-hearted themes and softer colour. Landscape with River and Bridge is a fine example of the balance of colour and atmosphere achieved by Zais in his works of this period.