Francesco Tironi

Probably acquired by the great grandfather of the present owner circa 1915.

The colours of the original are a little deeper in tone than they appear in the catalogue illustration. The canvas has an effective relining. The paint surface is secure and in good condition under a dirty varnish. Some old unobtrusive retouching work is evident along the far right margin in the sky in an area of what appears to be old surface here appears to be an area of old damage. This is just visible to the naked eye in both the catalogue illustration and the original and is confirmed under UV light which also reveals some very minor scattered other retouchings in the sky but confirms that overall the paint surface is generally very well preserved. Offered in a gilt wood and plaster frame, structurally sound with some losses.
"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."

We are grateful to both Charles Beddington and Anna Bozena for independently identifying this as a work by Francesco Tironi following inspection of the original.  Tironi is known primarily as a draughtsman and documented works by him include a set of twenty-four engravings by Antonio Sandi, published in 1785 (see D. Succi, Francesco Tironi. Ultimo Vedutista del Settecento Venezia, Pordenone 2004, pp. 5-18).  Although in the past Tironi has been credited with a number of Venetian view paintings, many of these have later been given to the Master of the Langmatt Foundation Views or are now thought to be by various anonymous hands.  Known and accepted paintings by him are therefore rare and this makes the present work an exciting and important new addition to his oeuvre.