Francesco Guardi

With Richard Green, London, from whom acquired by the present owner.

The painting is lighter in tone and more yellow in colour than the catalogue illustration would suggest. The canvas has been laid down on a cradled panel support in good stable condition. The paint surface appears to be in good overall condition with no apparent damage or loss of paint. There a very minor indentation upper right visible in a raking light and a very slight diagonal surface scratch measuring approx 0.5 cm. in the wall to the left of the leftmost column which isn't apparent in the catalogue illustration. There is also a discoloured varnish and surface dirt overall in keeping with the paintings age. Examination under ultraviolet light confirms the presence of the varnish, and reveals scattered but minor areas of retouching in the sky and along the upper canvas edge as well as minor strengthening to the architecture. Overall the painting appears to be in good condition and the retouching minor and cosmetic. Offered in an ornate gilt wood frame with some minor old 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."

Another version of the present composition, of similar dimensions but on panel, was sold, London, Christie's, 8 December 1995, lot 79 (£47,000), while another, also on panel, was formerly with David Koetser, Zurich (see A. Morassi, Guardi. I Dipinti, Venice, 1973, vol. I, p. 444, cat. no. 715, reproduced vol. II, fig. 668).