The Grand Canal, Venice with the Ca' d'Oro and Santa Maria della Salute
Watercolor painting on paper, mounted behind glass • Attributed to J. Da Riva (active late 19th/early 20th century)
Style & Movement
Veduta (View Painting) in the Romantic/Academic tradition
Medium & Technique
Watercolor and gouache on paper; employs wet-on-dry techniques for architectural detail and atmospheric washes for the sky and water.
Creation Period
Late 19th Century (dated 1898 or '93)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 25 x 40 cm; Landscape format
Subject Description
A view of the Grand Canal in Venice. The foreground left features the intricate Gothic facade of the Ca' d'Oro. In the mid-ground, a lone gondolier navigates the waterway toward the distant domes of the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. The composition emphasizes architectural grandeur and the tranquil atmosphere of the Venetian lagoon.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Fair. The work shows signs of age-related light fading and minor paper discoloration.
Estimated Market Value
USD 400 - USD 800
Auction Estimate
USD 300 - USD 500
Provenance History
Purchased in London in 1966. Likely passed through the UK art market after being produced for the Grand Tour or souvenir market in Italy.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of the late 19th-century demand for Venetian 'vedute.' While not by a major master, it illustrates the high level of technical proficiency among professional view-painters catering to international travelers in Venice.
Notable Features
Includes a visible signature and inscription 'Venezia' with a date on the lower left. The detailed rendering of the Ca' d'Oro Gothic tracery is particularly fine for a work of this scale.
Condition Issues
Visible foxing (small brown spots) in the sky area, light fading of the blue pigments, and probable acidity from the original paper support or backing board.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning to remove foxing; remounting using acid-free, archival materials; and glazing with UV-protective museum glass to prevent further pigment degradation.
Collector Notes
Bought in London 1966