(Ronov nad Doubravkou 1847–1891 Prague)
The Jean-Jacques Rousseau Lake in Ermenonville, signed Chittussi, oil on canvas, 30.5 x 50.5 cm, framed, (GG)

We are grateful to Prof. Dr. Roman Prahl for confirming the authenticity of this work on the basis of a photograph.

Letter of authentication issued by Dr. Roman Prahl, June 2015, available

The present lot depicts the lake in the Parc Jean-Jacques Rousseau in Ermenonville.
Situated some 50 kilometres north of Paris, the estate was created in 1765 by the Marquis René de Girardin, the last patron of Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
Inspired by the philosopher’s ideas, the Marquis designed a garden intended to reflect Rousseau’s philosophy and mankind’s place in the natural world. It was regarded as one of the finest examples of French landscape gardening, executed in the Serpentine style.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau visited the estate in 1778. Fascinated by Girardin’s work, he settled there for 6 weeks. He died there suddenly, and was buried on the estate until his body was transferred to the Pantheon in October 1794. In 1878 the estate was sold to Mrs Blanc. She acquired it for her daughter Louise who later married Prince Constantin Radziwill.
In 1882 Prince Constantin invited Antonín Chettussi to Ermenonville. Chettussi painted at least two views of the lake. The first was exhibited at the Salon in 1883, and the second is the present lot.