Follower of Giovanni Antonio Canal, called Canaletto

The pictures are slightly less bright in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. Both have a firm old relining. The paint surface is clean and without apparent damage. Colours and brushstrokes are well-preserved and there is little wear. Inspection under ultraviolet light shows in the former: scattered retouchings in the building and foreground figures far left, an area of uneven varnish lower left corner, a repaired 6 cm. tear in the centre and infilling of craquelure in the sky concentrated in the far left and far right. In the latter inspection under ultraviolet light shows scattered retouchings throughout the sky, and to a lesser extent in the water. There is some restrengthening to contours in the boats and figures and an area of damage (from damp?) to the centre of the lower margin. Both are ready for display and require no further attention. The pair are offered in matching carved giltwood moderately elaborate frames, aged but otherwise 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."

Early nineteenth-century copies after Canaletto, possibly painted in England by the hand formerly known as William James. The former is a slight variant of the original in Windsor in the collection of Her Majesty the Queen; the latter is after the original formerly with Bellesi in London.¹

1. See W. G. Constable, Canaletto, Oxford 1989, vol. II, pp. 361-62, cat. no. 340, reproduced vol. I, plate 64; and vol. II, pp. 364-66, cat no. 347, reproduced vol. I, plate 65.