catalog text
"A VENETIAN CANAL SCENE" BY FAUSTO GIUSTO (ITALIAN, 1867-1941)
Signed lower left, dated 1897
Item # 1408UGR24P
This fine and perfectly conserved work by Faust Giusto is in exceptional condition, the surface being vibrant and dancing colors full of depth. It is an endearing scene of the back canals in Venice, navigable only by gondolier and small boats and home to the most interesting sights in the mesmerizing city. The style is a subtle blend of realism and impressionism, the buildings finely detailed while the scene is given a certain dreaminess with his broad and active brush strokes and intense mixing of tones to give the water a surreal depth.
References for Giusto note him as being born in Naples, Italy in 1867 and a large body of work signed by him was painted during the years of 1890-1910, much of this portraying international scenes with vivid color. Painting major cities, scenes and locations throughout Europe, Giusto also executed several outstanding works capturing life on the sea. Much of his work was later produced as etched prints, many of these incredible original paintings held in private collections and museums around the world. His work has been something of a mystery though, with a wealth of incredible art in his name but with a very slim biography to accompany it - in recent years, however, connections have been made between signed works of Giusto and the distinct likeness to the style of Eugene Galien-Laloue. Galien-Laloue's work underwent extensive research by Noe Willer, who published a book documenting many of his pseudonym's and works. In cataloging a work offered at auction, Sotheby's noted "F. Giusto" as being an identified pseudonym for Eugene Galien-Laloue - the catalogue in pdf format is attached by clicking "Literature" below.
This is a very fine selection for serious collectors of the French Barbizon school and for those passionate about late 19th century seascapes and nautical works.
Notes:
- Sotheby's, Nov 23 2010, lot 177, gouache on paper 7 1/2" x 12 1/4" signed "f. giusto" with cachet of galien-laloue on reverse - sold $10,490 (6250 gbp)
- Christies, sale 8889, lot 90, "at the gare st. lazore towards the end of the day", 8" x 17 1/2", signed lower right "f. giusto" - sold $4,238
- Christies, sale 8889, lot 91, "pont neuf, paris", 8 3/4" x 13 1/2", signed lower right "f. giusto" - sold $5,779
Measurements: [framed] 20 1/2" W x 31 7/8" H; [sight] 14 1/2" W x 26 1/8" H (we have not removed the paper backing since receiving it back from our conservator to get accurate dimensions of the physical stretchers)
Condition Report:
Contemporary frame with gilt wear and abrasions. Surface has been professionally cleaned by our conservator, resulting in an absolutely stunning ready to hang presentation. Under UV: inpainted spot upper-mid quad, pinpoints of touch up in sky, possible inpainting to centermost quadrant in bridge and buildings though it may just be pigment flare.
