A pair of Italian capricci landscapes with ruins and figures conversing and dancing, circa 1750.

Each housed in 18th century giltwood frames

Each 60 x 103cm (23 x 40in)

Thomas Agnew and Sons labels with inventory numbers 18481/2 on the reverse. 

Giovanni Paolo, also known as Gian Paolo Panini or Pannini (17 June 1691 – 21 October 1765), was an Italian painter and architect who worked in Rome and is primarily known as one of the 'vedutisti' (view painters). As a painter, Panini is best known for his vistas of Rome, in which he took a particular interest in the city's antiquities. Among his most famous works are his view of the interior of the Pantheon and his vedute—paintings of picture galleries containing views of Rome. Most of his works, especially those of ruins, have a fantasy element of embellishment, characteristic of capriccio themes where the artist draws on his imagination to group together decorative ruins, unlikely to be found in such close proximity in reality.

These paintings were very popular 'Grand Tour' souvenirs for wealthy  tourists in the 18th century, allowing them to capture many of their favourite architectural sites combined into an impressive painting which they could  prominently display in their grand country homes on their return.