Francesco Guardi

The colours of the original are a touch more yellow than they appear in the catalogue illustration. The panel has been thinned down and fairly recently cradled. The reason for this appears to be a series of old vertical splits in the panel, 3 of which are visibly in the paint surface. The paint surface is otherwise secure and is much abraded and thin under a yellowed varnish. Old retouching work is visible to the naked eye along the far right of these cracks and this is confirmed under UV light which reveals others retouching work scattered throughout. Offered in an ornate gilt wood and plaster frame in good condition if a little rubbed.
"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."

A copy of this painting with identical dimensions, minor differences in the details of the staffage, and laid on panel, was sold anonymously in New York, Christie's, 11 January 1991, lot 55, as attributed to Giacomo Guardi.

We are grateful to Charles Beddington for endorsing the attribution on the basis of a photograph.