Martín Rico Madrid 1833-1908

Scott and Fowles, New York
MacConnal-Mason and Son, London
Purchased from the above by the father of the present owner by 1990

Rico, one of the leading Spanish painters in Italy, captures the majestic splendour of Santa Maria Rosario, dwarfing the adjoining Renaissance structure of Santa Maria della Visitazione. Placed prominently on the Giudecca canal, it displays an elegant frontal façade that combines both Baroque and Palladian architecture.

The popularity of Venice views has its origins in late sixteenth century pilgrimage images of Rome. The painting of vedute, or souvenir views, was made famous during the era of the Grand Tour, with the patronage of artists such as Guardi and Canaletto. Traditionally, the Grand Tour was made by the classically educated male members of the northern European ruling class to complete their education, to acquire manners and languages and to attain a more rounded understanding of other countries. Very often their travels would end in Venice, Florence or Rome, giving rise to a huge demand for vedute of these cities. Although these tours were interrupted by the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, by 1815 travellers again flocked to Italy, creating a rejuvenated market for this type of instantly recognisable and memorable view. 

In 1872, Rico engaged in his own tour of Italy, accompanied by Mariano Fortuny, where he became inspired by the intrinsic beauty and luminosity of the views. This voyage was a turning point in Rico’s career, setting the stage for his future formation as a painter and solidifying his commercial career. He was above-all impressed by the splendour of Venice, so much so that even after he settled back in Paris, he continued to spend his summers in Venice, renting a palazzo in which to paint.  Rico would often work sitting in a gondola, sketching buildings and bridges as seen from the water.