Francesco Guardi (1712-1793)
Venice, the Bacino di San Marco with the Piazzetta and the Doge’s Palace Courtesy Christie’s Images Ltd., 2014 UPDATE: IT SOLD FOR £9,882,500
A masterpiece by Francesco Guardi – Venice, the Bacino di San Marco with the Piazzetta and the Doge’s Palace – will be on the market at Christie’s in London in July for the first time in over a century. From the Baron Henri de Rothschild collection it is estimated at £8-10 million. Executed at the height of his maturity and depicting one of the most celebrated prospects of Venice the caliber of this work is matched by exceptional provenance. Originally in the collection of The Earls of Shaftesbury; it was acquired by Baron James-Edouard de Rothschild (1844-1881) and in turn owned by his daughter Jeanne-Sophie-Henriette, Baronne Léonino (1875-1929) and 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 22-26 and London from July 5-8. It is set to become one of the most valuable works by the artist sold at auction.
Georgina Wilsenach, Head of Old Master & British Paintings at Christie’s London: “We are honoured to present this exquisite view by Francesco Guardi at a moment when appreciation of his art is at an all-time high. Landmark exhibitions of his work in 2012-2013 marked the third centenary of the artist?s birth, including the highly acclaimed exhibitions at the Musée Jacquemart-André in Paris and the Museo Correr in Venice.