An Architectural Capriccio of a Courtyard - Rafael Valls

around the 1770s

Medium

Oil on Canvas

Status

In Gallery Collection

Collect24 Art ID

C24-150541

This small recently rediscovered architectural capriccio reveals Francesco Guardi's verve as a painter and draughtsman. The composition exists with minor differences in two slightly larger paintings by Guardi. The first is 'An Architectural Caprice' in The National Gallery, London (NG2519) measuring 22.1 x 17.2 cm. The second is in The Wallace Collection, London inv. P647) measuring 38.6 x 28.9 cm. Both are dated to around the 1770s, a likely date for our own picture. As curators of both museums point out, though the view is imagined it evokes the architecture of the courtyard at the Doge's Palace in Venice with the staircase being closely modelled on the courtyard's Scala dei Giganti (Giant's Staircase). The freedom of the brushwork lends the picture a sense of energy and immediacy, both of which are among Guardi's most admired qualities. The flurry of dark outlines, dots and dashes have much in common with Guardi's work as a draughtsman. The composition is connected to several sketches in ink and wash at the MET of similar courtyard views taken from different angles (for instance object no. 37.165.71). Guardi appears to have returned to the subject repeatedly, making small alterations. Another very small work by the artist of an intimate courtyard scene, and painted in a similar manner, was at Christie's, New York, 10 June 2022, lot 57 (sold for $453,600).