A Genteel Conversation

Marco Alvise Pitteri (1702-1786) after Pieter Meert (1610?-1669)

Copper engraving

The copper engraving by the Italian artist Marco Alvise Pitteri reproduces the painting that belonged to the art collection of Count Vitturi in Venice in the 18th century. The reproduction was probably made prior to the sale of the collection after the owner’s death. Publishing engravings as copies of paintings was a widespread practice, the aim was to introduce the works to a wider circle of potential buyers.

The engraving documents the attribution process related to this painting. The text below the picture attributes the painting to the little-known 17th-century Flemish master Pieter Meert, among whose works this would be the only painting of its kind. Nowadays art experts associate the painting with 17th-century Dutch artists Anthonie Palamedesz or Jan Olis.