Lot 792
  • 792

The Pseudo-Guardi

Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • The Pseudo-Guardi
  • A pair of still lifes of roses, anemones, tulips and other flowers in bronze urns, resting on stone ledges
  • a pair, both oil on canvas, oval

Provenance

Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 1 November 2006, lot 150 (as attributed to the Pseudo-Guardi).

Condition

The canvases are relined, the paint surfaces are slightly dirty and the varnish is slightly discoloured. The impasto paintwork in both canvases is well-preserved. Both canvases have pinprick losses, the former: lower left and upper centre, and the latter: upper centre and lower right. Both canvases have areas of retouching around the edge of the oval,, at its greatest width, measuring approx. 8 cm. The pair is in overall 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."

Catalogue Note

The present pair are stylistically close to a group of floral still lifes attributed by Antonio Morassi, and later by Giuseppe Pilo, to Francesco Guardi.1 Although flowers feature prominently in a number of Guardi's figure paintings, concrete records of his still life production remain obscure. The name Pseudo-Guardi, first used by Luigi Salerno, has therefore been more recently employed to designate the as yet unidentified author or authors of this group, working in the orbit of Guardi.2 Alternative attributions have been suggested, including Francesco Duramano and Carlo Henrici.3

1. A. Morassi, Guardi, I dipinti, Venice 1973, vol. I, pp. 499–500, vol. II, figures 911–19, and G. Pilo, Francesco Guardi, I paliotti, Milan 1983.
2. L. Salerno, La natura morta in Italia, Rome 1984, pp. 314–15.
3. For a recent discussion on the subject, see G. Bocchi and U. Bocchi, Naturaliter, Florence 1998, pp. 466–76.