Francesco Guardi

Charles T.D. Crews, Esq., D.L., J.P., F.S.A., of 41 Portman Square, London;
His deceased sale, London, Christie's, 2nd July, 1915, lot 158, where acquired by the great grandfather of the present owner.

The colours of the original are a little less yellow than they appear in the catalogue illustration. The canvas has a firm relining but this has not overly flattened the paint surface which is secure and in good original condition under a dirty varnish. Inspection under UV light reveals a few very minor scattered retouchings, most notably along the lines of the beams upper left. Offered in an ornate gilt wood and plaster frame in good condition with some minor losses.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

An upright version of the same scene, with different staffage, is in a private collection in Turin (see A. Morassi, Antonio and Francesco Guardi, Venice 1973, p. 460, cat. no. 809, plate 733) although the present picture extends the vista considerably on the right.  There is also a preparatory drawing in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (fig. 1) which is related to both paintings.