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Touring and travelling
The beauty of Venice is showcased by two paintings displaying two of the cities greatest landmarks; the Santa Maria della Salute and the Molo, with the Doge's Palace. Venice's popularity was cemented with English collectors through Canaletto's charming depictions of the city. A Venetian by birth, he began life as a theatrical scene painter, but after visiting Rome, began painting in the panoramic style for which he is now known. His work became known to the English largely through the efforts of his agent, the merchant and artistic connoisseur, Joseph Smith, who lived in Venice, later becoming British consul there. Smith both commissioned numerous works from Canaletto for his own collection, and assisted in the sale of his works to his fellow Englishmen. These were in huge demand as souvenirs for young aristocrats who passed through Venice on their Grand Tour. Perhaps Lot 385 is a later example of this.
Travel is also a theme of lots 389 and 391, the first depicting the Valkenhof in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, the second a landscape with classical ruins. Lot 391, although English, bears the influence of the French painter Claude Lorrain, who became renown for depicting pastoral idylls with reference to biblical or historical scenes supplied by classical ruins and figures. The artist Salvator Rosa added a touch of spice to his landscapes by peopling them with bandits, indeed he himself is thought to have once been part of a band of brigands in Naples....
Follower of Giovanni Antonio Canal, il Canaletto
Santa Maria della Salute, Venice
Details
Follower of Giovanni Antonio Canal, il Canaletto
Santa Maria della Salute, Venice
oil on canvas
22½ x 31½ in. (57.1 x 80 cm.)
Santa Maria della Salute, Venice
oil on canvas
22½ x 31½ in. (57.1 x 80 cm.)
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