Venetian School, 18th Century

The canvases have been relined and are firm. The paint surface is clean and in good condition, with a fine craquelure running throughout and under a glossy varnish. The surfaces of both paintings are rather uneven and, particularly in the former painting, the varnish is also cracking. The former painting has an old restored damage, approximately 5 by 4 cm. to the centre of the canvas, which is visible in raking light, and there are lines visible on the surface which correspond to the stretcher supporting the canvas. There appear to be a few retouchings along these lines. Inspection under UV light is somewhat impeded by the aforementioned glossy varnish, but confirms the aforementioned retouchings and further reveals fairly extensive scattered retouchings to the sky in both paintings, with far fewer scattered spot retouchings to the foreground. The building to the far left of the latter painting does appear to have some fairly extensive old retouching work but otherwise the buildings in this painting appear largely untouched. Offered in matching gilt wood and plaster frames in good condition with a few minor knocks.
"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."

In concept the former loosely relates to Michele Marieschi's depiction of this view in the North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh (for which see F, Montecuccoli degli-Erri, F. Pedrocco, Michele Marieschi, Milan 1999, pp. 374-75, cat. no. 147, reproduced). The staffage however is completely different.