Lot 108
  • 108

Federico del Campo

Estimate
300,000 - 500,000 USD
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Description

  • Federico del Campo
  • Ca' d'Oro, Venice
  • signed F. del Campo, inscribed Venezia and dated 1885 (lower right)
  • oil on canvas
  • 20 1/2 by 34 1/2 in.
  • 52 by 87 cm

Provenance

MacConnal-Mason, London
Property of a Corporation
Sale: Sotheby's, New York, November 4, 2010, lot 3, illustrated 
Acquired at the above sale 

Condition

The following condition report was kindly provided by Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc.: This work is in beautiful condition. The canvas is lined with a non-wax adhesive. The texture of the paint seems to be unaffected by the lining. Under ultraviolet light, one can see a small group of tiny dots of retouching in the upper left, and a retouch measuring about 1 inch by half an inch in the water beneath the buildings in the distance on the left. There are no other retouches.
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.

Catalogue Note

The Ca’ d’Oro – properly known as Palazzo Santa Sofia – is among the most immediately recognizable facades on the Grand Canal. Built in the 1430s for the Contarinis – who count eight Doges and numerous ambassadors and dignitaries amongst their lineage – it is one of ten palazzos scattered throughout Venice associated to the family, though by far the grandest. Built by architect Giovanni Bon and his son Bartolomeo (who also built the Ca’ Barbaro; see lot 115), the gilt and polychrome external decorations which once adorned its walls have been lost to time, but the distinctive recessed loggia, quatrefoil windows and combination of medieval and Moorish architectural elements are typical of the Venetian Gothic style.

Del Campo would have stood across the Grand Canal on the Fondamenta Riva Olio to capture this scene. The open courtyard to the right of the Ca’ d’Oro remains to this day, as does a somewhat modernized vaporetto dock in the same location that we see waiting travelers. However, Del Campo has modified the topography to suit his purposes, inserting a sharp bend into the Grand Canal where reality leads it straight.