Francesco Guardi

Anonymous sale, Paris, Hôtel Drouot, 23 April 1909, lot 30 (as Francesco Guardi).

The canvas has an old, firm relining. The paint surface is rather abraded, with much of the detail of the painting worn away, but remains secure with no major damages apparent. There is a small stretch of slight frame abrasion along the lower margin. Some retouchings to possible old damages in the sky upper centre are visible to the naked eye as well as some strengthenings to the dome of Santa Maria della Salute, but this work is not obtrusive. Inspection under UV light is impeded by the reflective varnish covering the work, but does confirm the aforementioned retouchings and further reveals some fairly extensive scattered spot retouchings to the sky and some scattered and older retouching work to the foreground of the painting. Offered in an ornate carved gilt wood frame in fairly good condition, though the gilding is rather rubbed.
"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."

Francesco Guardi's depictions of Venice during festivals and Carnival time are some of his most lively and evocative depictions of the city.  The festival depicted in the present work is likely to be the Festa della Madonna della Salute which has taken place on the 21 November every year since 1630.  In the 18^th century the Senate paraded from San Marco to Santa Maria della Salute, across a special bridge of boats set up in the canal, to give thanks for the city's deliverance from the plague.  This practice still continues today although a temporary bridge construction has replaced the bridge of boats.

Although only known through an old black and white photograph it appears that the present work was in a much better state of preservation when last on the market in 1909, the details of the staffage and architecture being much livelier and better defined.