Attributed to Francesco Albotto

Hitherto unpublished, the present work is most likely painted by Francesco Albotto or an artist working closely in his circle.  Albotto was the most talented imitator of his teacher Michele Marieschi's style and painted many pictures based entirely on his compositions.  The present work is based on Marieschi's paintings of Santa Maria della Salute from the Grand Canal known through various versions (see R. Toledano, Michele Marieschi, 1988, pp. 84-86, nos. V. 13.1 - 13.5).  A close version of this work by Francesco Albotto was sold by Christie's, New York, January 29, 1999, lot 9.