Francesco Guardi (1812-1793), Follower of - Capriccio con figure - NO RESERVE

In his Viennese period, Francesco Guardi reinterprets, with the utmost sensitivity, the theme of the Capriccio: a genre already widely diffused in the Venetian area, following the masterful ruinist compositions of Giovanni Paolo Pannini.
The Enlightenment rationality, thanks to Giovanni Ghisolfi and Marco Ricci, promotes the Vedutismo genre: the urban landscape becomes a historical representation and often serves as a lavish backdrop for the theatrical scene.
In the Capriccio with Landscape, a work of fantasy invention, buildings and monuments take on a symbolic value linked to the wonderful memory of a glorious past.

In the composition proposed here, a marine setting is harmonized with vivid architectural details, drawn with cursive and tactile brushstrokes.
Two figures in the foreground open the scene to an elaborate architecture and its elegant arch. In the background the Venetian quay extends, above which a few passersby stroll, bound for a sailing ship on the sea.
The lively activity of the people on the left of the dock is counterpointed by the serene promenade of the figures on the bridge. The transparency of the water and the blue of the sky confer great elegance and tranquility to the view, enriched by masterly highlights on the quay.
The architectural capriccio resonates with the idealized depiction of a scene from daily life.

Accompanying the work is, as a tribute, a refined and elaborate frame.

Comes from a private Roman collection.

Dimensions: 42 cm x 32 cm.