(18th century) The Bacino San Marco on Ascension Day (alternately known as The Bucintoro at the Molo), oil on canvas, 23-3/4 x 36-3/4 in.; an appropriate carved and gilt wood "Canaletto frame", foliate decoration with intermittent "mirrors",. Condition: lined and restretched on new stretcher, areas of overcleaning, craquelure, several periods of retouch with most in sky possibly affecting up to 15% of surface, some flaking and losses/pulling at two points; frame with abrasions, pest damage. Notes: This rare and important 18th century Venetian canal scene, looking across the [Bacino San Marco] at the [Bucintoro], was replicated by Canaletto (Giovanni Antonio Canal, Italian, 1697-1768), most notably in one held by the Royal Trust. This somewhat shortened version from the one once owned by Joseph Smith also occurs as a drawing by Canaletto titled, [Venice: The Molo with the Bucintoro at Anchor] and referenced by K.T. Parker in [The drawings of Antonio Canaletto in the collection of His Majesty the King at Windsor Castle], 1948, p.30, no. 7, fig.6, (7451). Multiple versions are noted by Parker as being slightly varied but still from the same perspective. This particular view was so desirable it was also circulated as an engraving by Visentini for the [Prospectus Magni Canalis Venetiarum] published in 1735. Similarly, the drawing and the painting offered here share the boatmen striving to avoid each other in the foreground with the [Bucintoro] in the distance, moored in celebration of Ascension Day. It is worthy to note the figures are faithful to Canaletto’s in their rendering. The use of the dark brown grounds present in his early paintings also appears to be underlying the pigment in this painting. Please Note: Brunk Auctions provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, materials or any other feature of items being sold. No statement written or oral made by the auctioneer shall be deemed a warranty or assumption of liability by Brunk Auctions or by any seller represented by Brunk Auctions. We are happy to provide additional photographs to aid in your decision. We do not give refunds. lined and restretched on new stretcher, areas of overcleaning, craquelure, several periods of retouch with most in sky possibly affecting up to 15% of surface, some flaking and losses/pulling at two points; frame with abrasions, pest damage