LONDON – Christie’s will offer the painting Venice, the Bacino di San Marco with the Piazzetta and the Doge’s Palace by Francesco Guardi (1712-1793) at its Old Master & British Paintings Evening Sale on July 8.

It will be the first time in over a century the painting from the Baron Henri de Rothschild Collection will be offered (estimate: £8-10 million/ $13-16.5 million / €9.5-12 million).

Executed at the height of Guardi’s maturity and depicting one of the most celebrated prospects of Venice, centering on the Doge’s Palace, the caliber of this work is matched by its exceptional provenance. Originally in the collection of the Earls of Shaftesbury; it was acquired by Baron James-Edouard de Rothschild (1844-1881) and was in turn owned by his daughter Jeanne- Sophie-Henriette, Baronne Léonino (1875-1929) and then by her brother Baron Henri-James-Charles-Nathan de Rothschild (1872-1947), from whom it was inherited by the present owners.

Not seen in public since 1954 (Brussels, Palais des Beaux-Arts, La Peinture Vénitienne), this work will go on a global tour starting with a public view at Christie’s in Paris on March 3 and 4; Moscow on April 12 and 13, New York from May 2 to 6; Hong Kong from May 22 to 26; and London July 5 to 8.

The sale of this canvas provides international private collectors and institutions with a rare opportunity to acquire a work that is considered to be a masterpiece within Guardi’s oeuvre. It is set to become one of the most valuable works by the artist sold at auction.

“We are honored to present this exquisite view by Francesco Guardi at a moment when appreciation of his art is at an all-time high,” said Georgina Wilsenach, head of Old Master & British paintings at Christie’s London.

ADDITIONAL IMAGE OF NOTE