Francesco Guardi

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This work has been restored. The panel is slightly curved from left to right. Retouches have been added in the sky in the upper left and upper right. There is slight strengthening at the top of the colonnade in the center right. The work should be hung as is.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

While Francesco Guardi is more famous today for his vedute paintings of Venice, he also completed a number of capriccio paintings such as this small-scale panel.  These works of idyllic, imaginary landscapes often feature roman ruins and classical architecture, with a few figures scattered throughout to provide a sense of scale.  Guardi's virtuoso brushwork captures the shimmering light of the landscape in a fantastical manner, giving bringing an impression of movement and dynamism that one would not typically encounter in a small architectural study.