Circle of Giacomo Guardi

With Arthur Tooth & Sons, London, where acquired by the late Lord Jersey;
George Francis Child Villiers, 9th Earl of Jersey (1910-1998);
Thence by descent to the present owners.

Whitehall, The Arts Council of Great Britain, Old Masters from Jersey Collections, 1952, no. 16 (as by Francesco Guardi)

The picture is abit brighter and more vivid in colour than the catalogue illustration would suggest. The canvas has been lined and as a result the canvas weave is visible in the paint surface. Otherwise the paint surface looks like it is in good overall condition with no damage or loss of paint. Examination under ultraviolet reveals some minor retouchings to old frame abrasion in the lower left and scattered very very minor flecks of retouching in the sky and to the water but otherwise the picture is in very good condition. Offered in a carved gilt wood frame in good condition.
"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."

The Church of Santa Maria della Grazia was destroyed by fire in 1849. Other versions of this painting are recorded. One in the Moratilla Collection in Paris, another in the Friedsham Collection in New York, another from the estate of the late Captain R.S. de Quincy, sold Sotheby's, London, 9 December 1992, lot 83, and another in the Collection of A.C. James, London. The James picture is illustrated in Antonio Morassi, Guardi, I dipinti, 1993, fig. 929.