Jean-Baptiste Pillement (Lyons 1728-1808) - A rocky river landscape at dusk with shepherds resting beneath a tree;

and A river landscape with a shepherd and shepherdess and their flock

both signed with initial 'P' (lower left). a pair, oil on copper. 16 x 24.1cm (6 5/16 x 9 1/2in).(2). in carved and pierced, gilt frames. Sold for £50,400

Note: It is with such exquisite fancy pieces as these that Pillement represented the quintessence of Rococo taste and this was reflected in the high demand for his works among the international connoisseurs of his day, taking him from Lyons to Spain, Portugal and Paris. Perhaps the pinnacle of his career came when he executed three works for Marie-Antoinette at the Petit Trianon, Versailles, and in 1778 the Queen appointed him as her personal painter.  (Copyright © 2002-2008 Bonhams 1793 Ltd., Images and Text All Rights Reserved)

Bonhams. Old Master Paintings, 9 Jul 2008 New Bond Street - www.bonhams.com