Francesco Guardi Venice 1712 - 1793

Drawn on two sheets of paper, joined vertically in the centre of the composition, and laid down. The paper surface rather unevenly rough in certain places. Some staining, particularly towards top left corner, upper edge, and right edge. Some surface dirt. Although the paper has suffered physically to some extent, the drawing still retains considerable atmosphere.
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This view can be compared stylistically with three other drawings which date from Guardi's early period when he was very influenced by Canaletto and was beginning to paint vedute.  The closest is the study of The Piazza San Marco with the Campanile in the Museo Correr, Venice, where the figures are similarly drawn just with wash.¹  It is also comparable with another view of The Piazza San Marco towards San Giminiano, formerly in the collection of Paul Wallraf² and a View of the Piazzetta looking towards San Giorgio Maggiore, sold London, Sotheby's, 6 July 2005, lot 182.  In the centre of the composition is the Palazzo Surian-Bellotto, which was the residence of the French ambassador in Venice.  A painting dated to circa 1765-75 and signed with initials is the only other known version of this view, taken from the same position.³

1. See A. Morassi, Guardi, Tutti i disegni, Venice 1975, no. 324, reproduced fig. 324.

2. See Morassi, op.cit., no. 330, reproduced fig. 326.

3. New York, Frick Art Reference Library, see A. Morassi, Guardi, I Dipinti, vol. I, no. 575, reproduced vol. II, fig. 548.