The interior courtyard of a Venetian palazzo, with two figures

Dated to around 1775-1780, the present work is described by Succi as 'la più affascinante delle versioni note sul tema del Capriccio architettonico con interno di palazzo' ['the most enchanting of the known versions on the theme of architectural capricci with a palace interior'] (2021, op. cit., p. 209). This beautifully preserved canvas conveys the freedom and vibrancy of brushwork for which Guardi is so admired. Set within the bare entrance of a palazzo decorated solely by an ornate lantern and overlooking the lagoon, two doors are flung wide open letting bright sunlight shine in, and illuminating two figures. The whole scene seems to invite the viewer to reflect on the decaying, picturesque beauty of Venice. Given its small scale and subject matter, it is likely that this painting was intended for a domestic, rather than foreign, audience.