Set of two lithographic prints comprising:
lithographic print of painting by Canaletto entitled The Bacino di S. Marco on Ascension Day, originally painted c.1734
Acquired by George III, King of the United Kingdom (1738-1820), with the collection of Joseph Smith, British Consul in Venice.This oil on canvas, paired with 'Regatta on the Grand Canal' (see No 26), is part of a series of 14 views on the Grand Canal. The scene depicts a traditional Venetian ceremony showing the Doge and his suite on the ceremonial vessel, the Bucintoro, after its return to the Molo from the ceremonial Wedding of the Sea on Ascension Day. Formerly in the collection of Consul John Smith, the series was engraved by Antonio Visconti and published in 1735.
Print size inches: 8.9 x 5.3 together with lithographic print of painting by Canaletto entitled A Regatta on the Grand Canal, originally painted c.1733-34
Bought by George III, King of the United Kingdom (1738-1820), with the collection of Joseph Smith, British Consul in Venice at this time.The companion piece to The Bacino di Marco (see No 25), this scene celebrates the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin held on 2nd February. The painting shows the race of light-oared gondolas during this annual regatta with the arms of Carlo Ruzzini, who was Doge from June 1732 - January 1735, on the extreme left. Engraved by Antonio Visconti with its companion piece as the last two plates in his Prospectus Magni Canalis Venetiarum (Venice) published in 1735, gives credence to the date of completion as 1733-1734.
Print size inches : 8.9 x 5.4