Framed Oil, Mythological Scene, Artist Unknown, Late 18th Century

 
Mythological Scene with Figures in a Forest Landscape
Unidentified Artist, oil on canvas, circa 1770 to 1800
 
Frame dimensions 104x84 cm.
Canvas dimensions 87x67 cm.
 
A dramatic mythological composition in the French or Northern European tradition, circa 1770 to 1800, depicting four figures in various states of undress amongst a darkly wooded landscape. The energetic, bravura handling is consistent with painters working in the manner of Fragonard's circle, the figures tumbling across the middle ground with considerable freedom and spontaneity, emerging from deep blacks and greens that press in from all sides. A note on the reverse, written in Swedish, records that a figure of Cupid, seated on a branch to the right of the composition, was subsequently painted over, a detail that adds considerable intrigue. Housed in its original gilt frame with acanthus corner mounts, the canvas showing pleasing age craquelure throughout.
 
Note on the back reads - 
 
"Mytologi Andarnas tillvaro i antikens Gudasagor. Cupido sitter på en gren till höger på tavlans högra sida, men figuren är överstruken."
Which translates as:
"Mythology The existence of spirits in the god-myths of antiquity. Cupid sits on a branch to the right on the painting's right side, but the figure is crossed out/painted over."