catalog text
ALFRED POLLENTINE (BRITISH, 1836-90) “GRAND CANAL VIEW OF SAN SIMEONE PICCOLO”
In oil on canvas, signed “A. Pollentine 85” lower right, signed verso “Grand Canal, Venice, A. Pollentine” in script
Item # 603WAG05Q
In Pollentine’s typical manner, this vivid work is finely detailed and rendered with a most moving level of skill. Warm and nostalgic, he captures the rich colors of Venice with the bluish-green water and warm variegated antique stone facades of the multitude of buildings lining the Grand Canal. Painted in 1885, it is a most interesting glance back in time at how the Grand Canal looked before modernity, restoration and mass tourism. Built in the less wealthy sestieri of Santa Croce, the Church of San Simeone Piccolo was modeled by Giovanni Antonio Scalfarotto after the Pantheon and was completed in 1738. From the painter’s vantage point we see a beggar resting with his crutch to the right before a group of docked gondolas and larger sailed vessels. It is preserved in outstanding condition, recently cleaned by our conservator and being presentation ready. The frame is almost certainly original to the piece.
Literature: E. Benezit Dictionary of Artists, Vol. XI, p. 173-174 [extensive auction records]
Measurements: 27 1/8” H x 35 1/8” W x 3 1/4” D [frame] 16” H x 24” W [canvas]
Condition Report:
Frame is probably original with extensive gilt gesso loss (see images). Surface cleaned and in fine condition. Under UV: small touch up upper-left along edge of frame, two speck touch ups in sky, inpainting and patch verso beneath window to third building from the right. Original lining.