A Coastal Landscape with a Galley

A prolific artist, Remigio Cantagallina produced a large number of highly finished topographical views as well as many imaginary landscapes. Cantagallina was inspired by the works of the Flemish artist Paul Brill (1554-1626) and he himself travelled to Flanders between 1611 and 1613. Several motifs in the present sheet, such as the tower perched on the tall and rocky promontory at left, recall inventions by Flemish artists. A pendant drawing also depicting a fantastical coastal landscape is in a private collection in Vienna (sold at Christie’s, Paris, 21 March 2002, lot 47).