Follower of Michele Marieschi

Private collection, Switzerland (at least since the 1960s), from whom acquired by the present owner.

"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. Both original canvases have been lined. The paint layer is slightly raised on both but stable. There has been significant retouched paint loss to both paintings. To 'Santa Maria' the retouching can be seen in the sky and through the clouds , upper right and left, and also along the bottom of the painting. The ground colour can be seen dominant in places. Pale craquelure is visible where the paint layer has undergone moderate shrinkage. To 'Chiesa degli Scalzi', similar restored damages to the sky can be seen and again the ground colour is dominant where the paint layer has been thinned. Both paintings possess discoloured varnishes."
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

The compositions of these two paintings derive, with some differences, from similar views painted by Michele Marieschi, such as that representing the former in Madrid, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, and the latter in a Milanese private collection (see F. Montecuccoli degli Erri, Michele Marieschi: La vita, l'ambiente, l'opera, Milan 1999, p. 382, cat. no. 154, and p. 386, cat. no. 158, both reproduced).