Migliara was a scenery-painter who turned to small-scale works after 1810, owing to illness. His precise, jewel-like technique and theatrical settings found much favour with wealthy patrons in his native Milan and further afield. His works are extremely rare in Britain. As the title of this watercolour suggests, this scene is an architectural fantasy. It shows members of the young aristocracy visiting the classical ruins of Milan. Migliara was known for displaying a great sensitivity to light and tone in his watercolours, and an in-depth knowledge of perspective. In 1822 he was appointed Professor of Perspective at the Academia di Bella Arti, Milan.

Inscriptions / Translations:  Signed on the mount 'GioMigliara' and inscribed 'ingresso d'un palazzo comunale novembre 1829' (par Migliara peintre Milanais)