- 96
David Roberts, R.A.
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 USD
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Description
- David Roberts, R.A.
- Interior of Santi Giovanni e Paolo, Venice
- Watercolor over pencil, heightened with bodycolour on gray paper;
signed lower right: David Roberts. RA. 1851, inscribed lower left: Venice Octr. 18th. 1851
Provenance
Sale, London, Sotheby's, 15 June 1960, lot 73;
with The Fine Art Society, London, by 1964;
sale, London, Christie's, 11 November 1997, lot 123,
where acquired by Bernadette and William M.B. Berger, Denver, Colorado
with The Fine Art Society, London, by 1964;
sale, London, Christie's, 11 November 1997, lot 123,
where acquired by Bernadette and William M.B. Berger, Denver, Colorado
Exhibited
London, The Fine Art Society, April 1964, no. 5
Condition
This impressive drawing has been well preserved. The paper has perhaps darkened a little but this is typical. The colours are subtle but remain largely intact. In a raking light a silvery stain is just visible. Overall the work is in good condition. The work is laid down.
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.
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
Roberts made his only visit to Venice in 1851, where he stayed for five weeks from late September to October. He was captivated by the floating city, writing to his son-in-law that he was ‘at work from 9 o’clock until 4 or 5 in the afternoon.’1 The present work is one of several known ‘on the spot’ drawings that Roberts made of the exterior and interior of Santi Giovanni e Paolo, a Dominican church which houses the tombs of many Doges and is considered to be one of Venice's most important religious buildings. Long after Roberts had left Italy, this church continued to occupy his mind and he exhibited an oil painting of this splendid interior at the Royal Academy in 18582 (Manchester City Art Galleries), as well as painting at least two oil versions in 1861.
We are grateful to Krystyna Matyjaskiewicz for her help when cataloguing this work.
We are grateful to Krystyna Matyjaskiewicz for her help when cataloguing this work.
1. K. Sim, David Roberts RA 1796-1864, A Biography, London 1984, p. 263
2. A. Graves, The Royal Academy of Arts, vol. VI, London 1906, p. 318