This is an absolutely adorable painting and an exciting find – Oil on wood panel framed in a heavy Louis XV style gilt, gesso and wood frame- solid and heavy for the size. The Picnic’ or’Un déjeuner sous l’arbres’ It is in a Rococo style, and by a very accomplished painter. We believe the frame to be original to the painting. It shows 3 Gentlemen and two ladies enjoying a picnic under the tree – dressed in their beautiful period finery – the ladies are particularly attentive to the gentleman in the centre – who is clearly enjoying the lunch- the food is ample and the wine clearly flows freely! The painting is signed in the lower left hand side – but unfortunately the signature is indecipherable – but we have carried out some research on this painting and we will share what we know with you. On the reverse is an inscription in ink, which although it has faded with time – it is possible to decipher- This was a gift given to Monsieur Charles Couvoisier on 11 April 1910 (the painting clearly precedes that date- all the indications are that this is a 18th century painting – early or mid when this style of painting was particularly popular) The Louis style frame is also typical of the period, the panel and the framing technique with corks is also true to the early 18th. He and his Sons were initially watchmakers – but on the wealth they created they diversified into Banking- they established themselves in Paris as Berthoud Bros. Whose fast-growing activities enabled them to join the very selective group of Parisian private banks : Rothschild, Hottinguer, Mallet, Hentsch. The gift was given from a name which is difficult to decipher, but mentioned on the panel verso- from Hampton -Virginia USA. The provenance of this painting and the fact that this was a gift from an American to a French Banker -confirms that this is at it appears – an oil painting of quality in a beautiful frame given to a discerning recipient. Condition – Good antique condition -painting untouched exactly as found – No missing paint or damage – Frame solid wood, gilded, rubbing of gilding commensurate with age and fine fissures typical of this style of frame. Paintwork retouched historically on edges. Size Frame 11.25″ X 7.75″x 1.75 or 28.5 cms x 20cms x 4.5cms. Oil on panel – 6.5″ x 4.25″ – 16.5 cms x 11 cms. Weight 0.9 kilos- unpacked. Should you have any questions at all please do not hesitate to ask.