A pair of splendid views depicting:

a) A view of Venice with Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo

b) A view of the Grand Canal with the Doge’s Palace

19th century

Oils on canvas

Our paintings, executed to a very high standard, depict two views of Venice, characterised by a palette of vibrant hues, a pleasing luminosity and a soft play of light and shade that seamlessly blends the various compositional elements.

The first painting depicts one of the most famous views in 18th-century Venetian landscape painting: the classic view of St Mark’s Basin, with the Doge’s Palace at the centre, St Mark’s Bell Tower and the Piazzetta to the left, featuring traditional gondolas and boats in the foreground.

The second, on the other hand, depicts Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo in Venice, with the majestic monumental aedicule (the equestrian monument to Bartolomeo Colleoni) and the imposing Gothic façade of the Basilica of Saints Giovanni and Paolo, flanked on the left by the canal (Rio dei Mendicanti) and in the background by the Scuola Grande di San Marco.

The two views, painted in oil on canvas with excellent attention to detail, are an expression of the most typical Venetian landscape painting of the 18th century; the precise brushstrokes and the architecture rendered in miniature echo the most famous compositional models, repeatedly used by Antonio Canal, known as Canaletto (Venice 1697–1768), throughout his long artistic career, and later adopted by other distinguished vedutisti such as Michele Marieschi, Francesco Albotto and Bernardo Bellotto.

Works such as ours, in particular, were produced in Venetian workshops between the 18th and 19th centuries to satisfy collectors and discerning travellers – chiefly English and German, but also French – who visited the city during their ‘Voyage d’Italie’, eager to own an image of Venice in its most expansive and characteristic form. They were often commissioned in small sizes to allow them to be carried alongside luggage, whilst today these little ‘postcards’ have become highly sought-after and prized by modern collectors.

Both paintings are in excellent condition, with just a few minor retouches.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The works come complete with two attractive gilded frames and are sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.

We arrange and organise the transport of purchased works, both within Italy and abroad, using professional, insured carriers.

It is also possible to view the paintings at our gallery in Riva del Garda; we would be delighted to welcome you by appointment to show you our collection of works.

Please feel free to contact us, with no obligation, for any further information.

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