Domenico Fossati Venice 1743 - 1784

Villa Widmann-Foscari, Mira, Veneto

Anonymous sale, Venice, Semenzato Casa D'Aste, May 16, 1998, lot 67

Relined. There is some minor flaking to the paint surface, particularly in the sky to the right of the domed portico. Some other thinnesses and tiny losses are scattered throughout, and in some places tiny areas of the canvas are visible. Two canvas seams that run from top to bottom are visible to the naked eye. One runs just to the left of the middle of the painting, and the other runs on the right side of the composition. There has clearly been some reworkings of the paint surface and restorations to some old punctures or tears. The thinnesses in the paint surface are mostly likely due to the artist's own application of the paint in the 18th century. In a wood frame with carved and gilt interior and exterior borders.
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 canvas, together with the following lot, originally formed part of a larger series of decorative paintings, now dispersed, which adorned the salon and staircase of the Villa Widmann-Foscari, Mira, near Venice on the mainland.  These impressive capricci recall the decorations for festivals and theatrical scenery, for which the artist is most well known.

In a private correspondence, dated February 25, 1995, Dr. Dario Succi confirmed the attribution to Fossati, and suggested a dating of circa 1775 for these canvases.  (For a copy of the letter please inquire within the Old Master Paintings department.)