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European painting of Venetian View, oil on canvas, late 18th to 19th century. "Francesco Guardi 1712-1793" is handwritten on the verso (top center). A charming painting of a petite scale featuring several gondolas occupied by staffage figures - both gondoliers and passengers - gliding along the Grand Canal with the domes of San Marco in the distance. The relatively loose execution of the vista's details suggest that it may have been a sketch. A lovely painting mounted in a beautiful frame that is finely embellished with gilded floral fines and moldings. The gilding contains 22.8% to 55% gold, and the pigments are consistent with the period. Size (sight view): 3.25" L x 4.375" W (8.3 cm x 11.1 cm) Size (frame): 5.875" L x 7.125" W (14.9 cm x 18.1 cm)

Please Note: "Francesco Guardi 1712-1793" is handwritten on the verso (top center). However, there are differences in opinion as to this attribution. Some have challenged the attribution to Guardi. Others have suggested that it could be a sketch by Guardi.

About Francesco Guardi: Guardi was the primary painter of Venetian views after Canaletto in the 18th century. His style departed somewhat from that of Canaletto, because his hand was somewhat more free and loose resulting in more "impressionistic" interpretations. According to the National Gallery of London, "Francesco Guardi was, after Canaletto, the main painter of views of Venice in the 18th century. His early figurative paintings were carried out in association with his brother, Gian Antonio, but in about 1760 Guardi turned to view painting. Following Canaletto he recorded both the architecture of the city and the celebrations of its inhabitants in interior and exterior scenes. These works brought him great success.

Francesco Guardi was born in Venice, the son of a minor painter, Domenico Guardi. In 1719 his sister married Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, who may have influenced the vivacity and bright colouring of Guardi's figures.

While Guardi followed Canaletto in producing views or vedute, he soon developed his own style, based on a freer handling of paint. He took particular pleasure in rendering the vibrant atmosphere of Venetian light and its dazzling effect on water.

The more 'impressionistic' approach of Guardi also found expression in small-scale imaginary scenes or capricci, of which there are many surviving examples, such as 'An Architectural Caprice'."

Provenance: private Rancho Mirage, California, USA collection, by inheritance in 2020; ex-Dr. TDR Berreth, California, USA, acquired before 1982

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#179057

No in-painting. Some expected age wear with areas of craquelure but imagery and hues are still strong. Frame finish has scuffs and abrasions also commensurate with age but still presents quite nicely. "Francesco Guardi 1712-1793" is handwritten on the verso (top center). Tape was used to secure cardboard backing on verso. Fit with suspension wire.