For the first time in over a century, masterpiece by the celebrated Venetian painter Francesco Guardi is set to be sold at Christie’s London Old Master & British Paintings Evening Sale, on Tuesday 8 July. Painted circa 1780, ‘Venice, the Bacino di San Marco with the Piazzetta and the Doge’s Palace’ is estimated at £8-10 million ($13,2-16,5 million). The work depicts a stunning view of Venice from the waters in front of the Piazza San Marco and is regarded as a superb example of Guardi’s technique. It was executed at the height of his artistic powers.
Originally in the collection of the Earls of Shaftesbury; it was acquired by Baron James-Edouard de Rothschild (1844-1881) and was in turn owned by his daughter Jeanne- Sophie-Henriette, Baronne Léonino (1875-1929) and then by her brother Baron Henri-James-Charles-Nathan de Rothschild (1872-1947), from whom it was inherited by the present owners.
Not seen in public since 1954 (Brussels, Palais des Beaux-Arts, La Peinture Vénitienne), this work will go on a global tour starting with a public view at Christie’s in Paris on March 3 and 4; Moscow on April 12 and 13, New York from May 2 to 6; Hong Kong from May 22 to 26; and London July 5 to 8.
