Albert Goodwin R.W.S. 1845-1932

London, The Royal Water-colour Society, Winter, 1872, no. 247

In general the colours are clear, however there has been some overall minor fading. The paper has not discolored although there is evidence of scattered foxmarks, particularly in the upper left hand corner of the sheet. There are two small abrasions to the paper, one located at the extreme lower left corner and the other at the extreme right hand edge of the sheet. These are only visible on close inspection. The sheet has been laid down. Overall the work has been well preserved.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

In the present work Albert Goodwin depicts the bustling activity of the Rialto market in Venice. This was an ancient part of the city and its principal market place since the end of the eleventh century. In the background of this scene is the Rialto Bridge, while the Palazzo Fondaco dei Tedeschi and Palazzo dei Camerlenghi are visible to the left and right. In the foreground Goodwin adds charming incidental details by including a woman bent double sorting apples, two men in conversation carrying a heavy basket and figures loading cargo onto a boat.

In April 1872, Goodwin had embarked on a three mouth tour of Europe with John Ruskin and Arthur Severn, Venice was a major highlight and the group spent two weeks there.  Arthur Severn summed up the parties enthusiasm for the city when he wrote in his diary: 'We arrived there at night ... and no words of mine can describe the interest and delight we all felt on getting out of the railway station into the darkness and hearing the splashing of water and gondolas' (Smith, Albert Goodwin, R.W.S. 1845-1933, 1977, p. 23).