Giacomo Guardi

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

Both pictures are fresher in appearance and more green in colour than the catalogue illustrations would suggest. Both are also glued at the corners with adhesive to a backboard, which are mounted in non acidic mounts that have no contact with the paper. In the first (as illustrated at the top in the catalogue) the sheet remains intact and appears to be in good overall condition. However there is a small pin hole visible in the water lower left as can be seen in the catalogue illustration. There is also evidence of discolouration and the remains of gold paint along the uppermost edge of the sheet which appears to be from an ill fitting old mount. The paint surface itself has suffered from light staining as is visible in the sky and there is evidence of abrasion to the skyline centre right as can be seen in the catalogue illustration. There is also a minor smudge above the mast in the upper right again visible in the catalogue illustration. In the second (as illustrated at the bottom in the catalogue) the sheet remains intact however there is evidence of light staining in the sky as can be seen in the catalogue illustration and as a result some of the pigments are more muted than they would have been such as the white on the left most building. There are some further discolourations along the top most edge, the right most edge and in the upper right of the sheet to what look like old retouchings to old very minor losses. Both are offered in matching carved gilt wood frames in good condition.
"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."

This particular viewpoint of the Riva degli Schiavoni looking east is unusual: artists normally favoured a stretch of the Riva nearer the Piazzetta, with its recognisable buildings of the Campanile and Palazzo Ducale. These two gouaches are not strictly-speaking a pair (their measurements differ) but they do complement each other since they show the same view; one from a point slightly further away. Morassi knew another version of the former view, with differences in the boats and staffage, that was formerly with Wildenstein, New York (see A. Morassi, Guardi, Venice 1973, fig. 934), and others include the one sold, London, Sotheby's, 13 December 1973, lot 73, and another sold, London, Christie's, 12 February 1926, lot 47.