Francesco Guardi

Crisnoy de Lyonne (from H. Shickman Gallery label on backboard)

Overall condition is very good. Ink and wash have remained fresh. There is a small area of discoloration/staining at the upper right corner and there are two tiny blue dots of what appears to be gouache (these are at the right margin towards the lower half of the sheet). Sold in a gilded 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 is a particularly attractive and atmospheric drawing, due to the generous use of wash.  A similar composition, considered by Morassi to be a late work, is in the Victoria and Albert Museum.¹  There are two paintings with similar compositions, one in the Gulbenkian Foundation, Lisbon, and the other in the National Gallery, London, the latter of which is the closer to the present drawing.²

1.  A. Morassi, Guardi, I Disegni, Venice 1975, p. 168, no. 509, reproduced fig. 508
2.  A. Morassi, Guardi, I Dipinti, Venice 1993, vol. I, p. 450, nos. 754, 753, reproduced vol. II, figs. 689, 690