Description
Canaletto made many finished drawings with pen and wash; sometimes they depict an actual scene, but just as often they contain more than a touch of fantasy. This capriccio may be based on reminiscences of the little town of Chioggia.
Provenance
Probably given by the artist to John MacGowan (died 1780), Edinburgh [his stamp, Lugt 1496, verso, upper left, in black]; sold January 26, 1804, lot 118. Count Antoine von Seilern (1901-1978), London [Constable 1962]. David M. Koetser Gallery, Zurich, by 1942 [Constable 1962]; sold to the Art Institute, 1943.
Capriccio: A Street Crossed by Arches (recto) Sketches of Doorway, Staircase and Second Floor of Building (verso)
Canalettoc. 1720
Accession Number
113273
Medium
Pen and brush and brown ink, with brush and gray wash, over graphite, on ivory laid paper
Dimensions
29.4 × 20.8 cm (11 5/8 × 8 1/4 in.)
Classification
pen and ink drawings
Credit Line
Samuel P. Avery Fund