Marco Ricci

The canvas appears to be unlined and is stable on its stretcher. The paint surface is somewhat dirty beneath an old yellowed varnish with some minor losses here and there in the sky and in the lower section and, most prominently, in the center of the lower edge, as visible in the catalogue image. The craquelure pattern is a little more prominent in the sky with some areas of abrasion in the left section. There is a loss of approximately 1/4 by 1 1/2 in. beneath the arm of the monument upper left which has been repainted but not filled. Inspection under UV reveals some minor strengthening to the darks of the foreground figures and barrels, to the outlines of the monument, the foreground masonry and architecture and to the shipping vessel. There is further extensive old retouching in the sky. The painting would benefit from a light clean and revarnish. Offered in an elaborately carved gilt wood 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.

This painting is an exciting rediscovery and addition to the oeuvre of Marco Ricci, a leading landscape painter of the Italian Baroque.  Born in Belluno, Ricci went to Venice with his uncle Sebastiano Ricci in 1696.  He then traveled to Rome, Florence, Genoa and other areas of the Veneto, but returned to Venice for the final decade of his life.  

We are grateful to Charles Beddington for confirming the attribution upon firsthand inspection.