The interesting painting proposed, the work of an active landscape painter between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, represents an imaginary Venice and therefore falls within the genre of the so-called architectural capriccio, a term referable to an unreal view which, in the case in question, has amalgamated reality and fantasy in a way sublime.

Although the setting of the painting and the details that compose it, such as the lively animated canal, the gondolas and the typical costumes, could deceive the observer, suggesting it is a view of Venice, a closer look however he cannot fail to notice the anomaly of the large palace located on the banks of the canal as well as the Corinthian colonnade in the foreground, which in reality do not belong to the lagoon city.

Together with the more canonical perspective views, even this kind of fantasy architectural scenographies had great success in the eighteenth century among the rich foreign clientele, especially British, who during the ritual grand tour in Italy did not fail to be made in the Lagoon, often on commission, one of these views as a luxurious souvenir.

In our case, it is presumably a work done on commission, where the large building could probably be that of the client and therefore located in his city of origin. Alternatively, it could be an exercise in the imagination of our painter.

It was Canaletto, one of the most influential names, who adopted this extravagant technique of assembling imaginary buildings or buildings extrapolated from other contexts, located in Venetian places; among his most interesting works by him 'Capriccio with Palladian buildings', in which, while immortalizing a glimpse of Venice, he places two famous existing buildings, designed by the architect Andrea Palladio for the city of Vicenza.

From a stylistic and chronological point of view, the work recognizes elements that bring our author closer to the ways of Gabriel Bella (1730-1799), and even more so of Vincenzo Chilone (Venice 1758 - 1839/40), in particular to the works of the latter, one of which is signed, published by Dario Succi in “Il fiore di Venezia”, pp. 317-319.

The painting is in excellent condition and is sold complete with a beautiful gilded wooden frame.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic card.

We take care and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.

It is also possible to see the painting in the Riva del Garda gallery, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works.

Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information.

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