Views of Venice: The Piazetta and Santa Maria della Salute (Pair)
Works on paper; framed drawings/prints • Attributed to the circle of mid-to-late 19th-century 'Venetian Vedute' artists (e.g., in the manner of Giacomo Guardi or 19th-century commercial illustrators such as Rubens Santoro or Federico del Campo)
Style & Movement
Vedutismo (View Painting) / Romantic Realism
Medium & Technique
Watercolor and pen over graphite, or high-quality decorative lithography with hand-coloring. Techniques include wash application and linear topographical drawing.
Creation Period
Late 19th to early 20th century (c. 1890–1920)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 8 inches for the images; landscape format; presented in matching matted frames.
Subject Description
A pair of Venetian scenes. The top image depicts the Molo looking towards the Ducal Palace with street lamps and a gondola. The bottom image shows the Grand Canal with Santa Maria della Salute in the background. The composition follows traditional 18th-century perspective conventions made popular during the Grand Tour.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (General). The paper shows signs of light toning and acid burn from old matting.
Estimated Market Value
$200 - $500 for the pair (if decorative prints); $800 - $1,500 (if original watercolors)
Auction Estimate
$150 - $400
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired as souvenirs or decorative items during European travel. The frames suggest mid-20th-century professional framing.
Art Historical Significance
These pieces represent the enduring popularity of the Venetian 'Veduta' tradition, which served the tourist trade. They are representative of the transition from fine art to high-end commercial souvenirs for the upper-middle class in the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
Notable Features
Consistent rendering of atmospheric perspective; classic period framing with a rope-twist gold-gilt moulding that complements the maritime subject matter.
Condition Issues
Visible yellowing of the paper (toning), minor light fading of colors, and potential foxing obscured by the glass. The mats appear to be non-archival, which can cause 'mat burn' edges.
Conservation Recommendations
Reframing with acid-free, museum-quality matboard and UV-protective glass. Avoid hanging in direct sunlight to prevent further pigment fading.