The exceptional paintings in this pair are crafted using an especially rare and exceedingly difficult technique: reverse glass painting. The pair was created during the 18th Century, and stylistically each painting recalls the earlier Renaissance.
In each painting, the medium is glass, not canvas or board. The artist has applied paint to the reverse side of the glass. A consequence of this technique is a complete reordering of the painterly method: traditionally, base layers are applied first and accents and highlights subsequently; with reverse glass painting, the artist has to first apply accents and details, and build upon them the remainder of the image, layer by layer.
One painting in this pair depicts Venus playing with Cupid, both of whom are set within an idyllic landscape. The second painting portrays a romantic pastoral scene, wherein a shepherd and shepherdess play music while their flocks surround them.
In both works, the painterly manner is exceedingly fine, as demanded by the technique. The pieces are contained within carved giltwood frames.