Francesco Guardi

M. François Flameng, Paris;
sale, Paris, Galerie Georges Petit, 26-27 May 1919, lot 113, reproduced, purchased by Meyer (16,200 francs);
Count du Boisrouvray, Paris by 1973;
his sale, New York, Sotheby's, The Collection of the late Count and Countess Guy du Boisrouvray, 27 December 1989, lot 74 (a pair) reproduced;
sale, New York, Sotheby's, 29 January 1997, lot 100, reproduced

Antonio Morassi, Guardi: I dipinti, Venice 1973, vol. I, p. 486, under no. 947;
Antonio Morassi, Guardi: Tutti i disegni, Venice 1975, p. 187, no. 636

Glued all around the edges onto a cardboard backing sheet. Generally in good condition. Some foxing scattered around the page and a number of very small grey and light brown stains. A lighter strip at the right and upper edges. The drawing is still fresh and very readable.
"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."

Morassi proposed a dating to the late period of Guardi's career and in the entry on the drawing in his catalogue (see Literature) he writes: 'Bel foglio, di qualità forse superiore al suo pendant e come quello dell'epoca avanzata.' James Byam Shaw also agreed on a late date for this work.  As Morassi pointed out, it is very similar to a late painting by Guardi, formerly with Thomas Agnew & Sons Ltd., London.¹

1. See Antonio Morassi, Guardi: I dipinti, Venice 1973, vol. I, no. 947, vol. II, reproduced fig. 838