English Follower of Canaletto, 18th Century

Reyre;
By whom (anonymously) sold, New York, Parke-Bernet Galleries, 21 February 1946, lot 170 (as by Antonio Canaletto);
There purchased by G.C. McGhee.

The canvas is somewhat tightly relined but in overall good condition though the impasto is very slightly pressed with some areas where the weave of the canvas is pronounced. The paint surface is healthy under a fresh varnish. Inspection under UV reveals scattered minor retouched losses, particularly in the lower section of the sky and some more extensive patches of strengthening, notably to the upmost cloud, the brick pattern on the corner of the building upper left and the paving lower left. The figures and vessels remain largely untouched. Offered in an elaborate carved wood frame.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This picture has previously been attributed to Antonio Canal, as well as the elusive artist known by the name William James. James was apparently an English painter who worked in the style of Canaletto, presumably for a European clientele travelling through Venice in the mid eighteenth century. Only one signed and dated work by James is known, a copy of Canaletto's View of the Monument, London, (W. James. 1759), and based upon this one secure point of reference, a large number of English and Venetian views have been attributed to him. Recently, the concept of William James as the artist of this group of paintings, which were all clearly painted in England in the 18th century, has been questioned. Nevertheless an entire body of work has been attributed to him, some of which does appear to be by a consistent hand, while others, such as the present work, seem to be more generally related to an English artist working in the style of Canaletto. 

At least two further examples of this composition are known, both of which were given to William James when offered.¹

1.  see Sotheby's New York, 12 April 1996, lot 30; and Christie's London, 15 April 1994, lot 56.