Gabriele Bella (Venice 1730 - 1799) Workshop
Venice with the Rialto Bridge
Vedutista Painter, second half of the 18th century
oil on canvas (59 x 74 cm. - with antique frame 69 x 83 cm.)
Complete details of the work (click HERE)
The pleasant view, an excellent example of 18th-century Vedutismo, presents us with one of the most admired perspectives of Venice, the Rialto Bridge, one of the symbolic monuments of the city which, with its shops and stalls extending over the arch, was already a point of reference for city life as well as being the only pedestrian crossing of the Grand Canal throughout the 18th century.
We see the canal populated by boatmen and gondoliers at work, documenting a slice of daily life in 18th-century Venice, while the external staircase of the bridge is prepared, with the elevation of wooden structures as a portico, for the cloth market to take place, with a large red banner displayed on the parapet to be shown off.
Well executed, characterized by a marked luminosity and a chromatic range with bright colors highlighted by the contrast between light and shadow, it is a work of excellent quality by a skilled vedutista who, based on the parameters of the time, style, and compositional choice, we believe to be close to Gabriele Bella (Venice 1730 - 1799), one of the protagonists of the grand season of 18th-century Venetian vedutismo, whose painting is characterized by an eclectic taste, influenced by the examples of illustrious Canaletto prototypes.
Although it is difficult to identify the hand of our author with certainty, we can nevertheless note the strong correspondences with the works of the Venetian master, searching for the author among the pupils belonging to his workshop.
Active throughout his career in Venice, Bella worked exclusively for the Giustiniani for a long time, for whom he created the series of Venetian festivals. To this is added a body of works that the painter executed for his other patrons, a series of views of a more traditional taste, depicting important places and buildings, and to which our paintings also belong.
In particular, the iconography derives, albeit with variations, from numerous prints of perspective views created through camera obscuras: among these are the prints published by Luca Carlevaris in the early 18th century, which served as a source of inspiration for Venetian vedutismo throughout the 18th century.
The view, in good condition, relined not recently, is enriched by a beautiful gilded Venetian frame.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The work is sold complete with a gilded wooden frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic card.
We handle and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works.
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