Circle of Giovanni Antonio Canal, called Canaletto

There is an old glue relining. The paint surface, which is under a slightly dirty and uneven varnish, has been generally well retained and there is very nice preservation of detail in the architecture and figures. There are some slight thinnesses in the browns of the palazzo at far left and in the pediment of the Rialto Bridge. There are some areas of prominent craquelure, but there are not overly distracting. Some minor scuffs can be seen at the edges of the canvas and at corners. Examination under UV light reveals retouching along edges; small retouches can be seen on the palazzo at left and others here and there in architecture, sky, water and figures. This painting could be hung as is, but a readdressing of some of the older retouches and surface irregularities would improve the overall appearance. Offered in a gilt wood frame.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This painting derives from a composition by Canaletto which incorporates a design by Palladio for the Rialto Bridge which was never built.  The buildings on either side are in Vicenza.  On the left is the Palazzo Chiericati (now the Museo Civico, Vicenza) and on the right is the Basilica Palladiana.  The original painting is in a private collection, listed by Constable and Links as belonging to Senatore Ettore Conti, Milan.¹  There is a similar version of the composition in the Royal Collection at Windsor.²

We are grateful to Charles Beddington for his assistance in the cataloguing of this lot. 

1. W. G. Constable and J.G. Links, Canaletto, second ed., 1976, p. 437, cat. no. 458.
2. op. cit., p. 435, cat. no. 457.