Jacopo Fabris

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This painting has been restored and should be hung as is. The canvas has an old glue lining. The paint layer is stable. The texture is slightly flattened because of the lining. There is no visible evidence of any abrasion, and most of the details are well defined. Under ultraviolet light, one can see isolated retouches throughout the work. None of them are larger than an inch, and most of them are considerably smaller. The retouches seem to be well applied. The only areas showing any real weakness are the shadows of the pillars of the colonnade in the center of the foreground.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

Born in Venice to parents of German origin, Jacopo Fabris was known for his set designs and idealized vedute paintings as much as for realistic city views such as the present canvas. Painted from a high vantage point, slightly to the south, the vibrant and bustling scene depicted in this View of Piazza San Pietro is reminiscent of Fabris' treatment of the View of Saint Paul's Cathedral, London, sold London, Sotheby's, 12 June 2003, lot 108. 

We are grateful to Charles Beddington for endorsing the attribution on the basis of digital images.