CARLO GRUBACS | Venice, a sunset view with various vessels in the Lagoon with the Doge's Palace at right and the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute in the distance at left

Private collection, Italy. 

The painting is very thinly lined, and is stable on its stretcher. The painting is in lovely condition, retaining much of its detail and presenting a strong image beneath a clear varnish. A very faint craquelure is visible throughout, though this is in no way distracting. There is a thin line of repair, about 1/2 inch, in the upper right background near the upper edge. Inspection under UV reveals a few very small and scattered spots of retouching in the background, a few fine strokes of retouching to clouds in the background at center left, a spot jut to right of boat at center, and scattered small strokes here and there in the water. It also reveals retouching to the upper left edge, likely to address old frame abrasion. The painting can certainly hang as is, and it is offered in a decoratively carved 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.

Depictions of Venice at sunset were popular themes for Carlo Grubacs, as well as his son, Giovanni Grubacs, both of whom were celebrated painters of Venetian veduté during the nineteenth century.  Comparable sunset scenes by the Grubacs dynasty have recently been sold in these rooms, including a view of the Bacino di San Marco and the Dogana by Giovanni Grubacs.¹ 1. Anonymous sale, New York, Sotheby's, 26 January 2017, lot 297, for $162,500.