Carlo Grubacs

Please note that it has not been possible to examine this work out of it's frame. Window mounted. There is some evidence of minor wear and a light brown vertical stain to the lower right corner. There is evidence of some oxidation to the white heightening used in the clouds. Otherwise in good condition with the medium fresh and vibrant. Sold in a modern giltwood frame.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Although the biographical details we have for Carlo Grubacs are scarce and sometimes contradictory, it does appear that he was of Magyar origin, born either in Eastern Europe or Venice. His artistic output helps to strengthen the belief that he worked predominantly in Venice, following in the celebrated footsteps of the great 18^th Century “vedutisti”, most notably Francesco Guardi. Bolaffi's Dizionario enciclopedico dei pittori e degli incisori Italiani dall' XI al XX secolo praises Grubacs' work, describing how he re-animated the language of Canaletto with taste and evident self-confidence; it was perhaps for this reason that his views of Venice became particularly popular in the nineteenth century with a number of French collectors.