A REGATTA ON THE GRAND CANAL - VENICE (After Canaletto) - New Entry

Beautiful interpretation with a great decorative effect painted by an anonymous 20th-century painter, choosing this particular painting by Canaletto because it is certainly one of the most representative works of the Venetian painter. It depicts the historical regatta that takes place along the Grand Canal, the true protagonist at the center of the painting with its rippled waters that occupy a large part of the canvas, in an admirable perspective until you can glimpse the dome of San Bartolomeo, with its majestic palaces among which you can observe the Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti recognizable by its Gothic windows and the white facade with the balcony where several people look out to watch the race. Like many other characters along the pier who create a festive moment. Palazzo Balbi, characterized by Baroque elements such as richly decorated columns and balconies, with drapes on the windows for the festival highlighting the wealth and economic power of Venice during the Baroque era. Races along the Grand Canal have been held annually on February 2, the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin, since 1315, and races were also occasionally held to entertain illustrious visitors to Venice. Balconies and windows are covered with colorful drapes; spectators, many of whom are in carnival bauta* with black cloak and white mask, crowd the buildings and boats, including the ceremonial "bissone"** of noble families, which line the canal towards the end of the perspective. Venetian regattas are an ancient and prestigious tradition in the city of Venice, dating back to the 13th century, when the first regattas were organized to celebrate victories. This magic is repeated every year in Venice. The "Historical Regatta" starts from the Arsenale, passes through the San Marco Basin, and runs along the entire Grand Canal. The procession of historical boats precedes the challenge between boatmen or gondoliers. In excellent condition. Oil on canvas (large size) within an important wooden frame. Italy: early twentieth century Measurements: Height cm. 150 - Width cm. 220 The original painting, which inspired the painter, is located at the "Royal Collection Trust" in Buckingham Palace - London. It was purchased in 1762 by King George III from Joseph Smith, British consul in Venice. Notes: * "La bauta" or "bautta" is the white mask that is worn on the face together with the tricorn (headgear) and long cloak. For centuries, it has represented the distinctive feature of the aristocracy of the Serenissima Republic, which is why we find it represented in ancient paintings and prints. ** "La bissona" is a Venetian rowing boat, which is used for celebratory purposes on special occasions, such as in the case of the procession that opens the Historical Regatta or in re-enactments of traditional events such as the Marriage of the Sea. It has a slender line and a flat bottom characterized by rich thematic decorations and is typically powered by eight rowers.