Landscape painter, second half of the 18th century

oil on canvas

59 x 74 cm.

with antique frame 69 x 83 cm.

This delightful view, an excellent example of 18th-century landscape painting, presents one of Venice’s most admired vistas: the Rialto Bridge, one of the city’s iconic landmarks. With its shops and stalls stretching across the arch, it was already a focal point of city life, as well as serving as the only pedestrian crossing over the Grand Canal throughout the 18th century.

We see the canal bustling with boatmen and gondoliers at work, capturing a snapshot of daily life in 18th-century Venice, whilst the bridge’s external staircase is set up, with the erection of wooden portico structures, for the fabric market to take place, featuring a large red drape displayed on the parapet for show.

Well executed, characterised by a striking luminosity and a colour palette of vivid hues enhanced by the contrast between light and shadow, it is a work of excellent quality by a talented landscape painter whom, based on the standards of the era, style and compositional choices, we consider to be close to Gabriele Bella (Venice 1730–1799), one of the leading figures of the magnificent era of 18th-century Venetian landscape painting, whose work is characterised by an eclectic style, influenced by the examples of the illustrious Canaletto prototypes.

Although it is difficult to identify the artist’s hand with certainty, we can nevertheless note strong similarities with the works of the Venetian master, seeking the artist amongst the pupils of his workshop.

Active throughout his career in Venice, Bella worked for a long time exclusively for the Giustiniani family, for whom he produced the series of Venetian festivals. To this is added a body of work that the painter executed for his other patrons, a series of views of a more traditional style, depicting places and buildings of significance, to which our paintings also belong.

In particular, the iconography derives, albeit with variations, from the numerous prints of perspective views produced using camera obscura: among these are the prints published by Luca Carlevaris in the early 18th century, which served as a source of inspiration for Venetian landscape painting throughout the 18th century.

The view, in good condition and not recently re-framed, is enhanced by a beautiful gilded Venetian frame.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work is sold complete with a gilded wooden frame and is accompanied by 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 and insured carriers. It is also possible to view the painting at our gallery in Riva del Garda; we would be delighted to welcome you to show you our collection of works.

Please feel free to contact us for any further information.

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