`Montefiascone`
Philip Spence (1873-1945)

A subtle watercolour by Philip Spence depicting the town of Montefiascone and the Basilica of Santa Margherita bathed in the evening sunshine. Montefiascone is in the Viterbo region of Italy. The Basilica of Santa Margherita or Montefiascone Cathedral and the city is on the top of the hill known as Volsini which overlooks Lake Bolsena. This view is of the town and basilica from the north east, long before all the development that has now taken place.
The city was originally the home of the Falisci and later the Etruscans. The castle in the city was used by the Popes in the 13th and 14th Centuries. An unusual subject for Spence who was known as an artist and illustrator of mediaeval scenes. Probably painted on a visit to Italy c1910-20. The painting is signed with his typical `PS` monogram and also verso. Housed in a very good swept gilt frame with double mount.
Philip Spence (1873-1945) was originally from the Newcastle area and is believed to have been the brother of Robert Spence. Eventually settled in London. Exhibited at the Royal Academy, the Walker gallery and elsewhere.


Mediumwatercolour
  Conditionvery good
 Image size7 x 5 inches   Provenancesigned and titled verso
 Overall size14 x 12 inches
 
Agec.1910-20 Price£135