A significant painting by Giovanni Antonio Canal, known as il Canaletto, is slated to be the “leading lot” in an upcoming Old Masters sale in New York. The work, Venice, the Bucintoro at the Molo on Ascension Day, is described as a “monumental, theatrical masterpiece”. It is also identified as “unquestionably the most spectacular view of Venice painted by Canaletto in England”.
Painting Details and Context
This particular work is noted for being “Daring in composition” and “dazzling both in its brushwork and colourful palette”. The subject is the “Feast of Ascension Day”, described as a “key date in the Venetian calendar”. Canaletto “frequently returned” to this subject, as it “enabled him to bring the pomp and ceremony of the Venetian lagoon to life”.
This specific canvas is Canaletto’s “last known rendition of the theme from this viewpoint”. His first iteration from this perspective was created for “Britain’s first Prime Minister, Robert Walpole (1676–1745), 1st Earl of Orford”.
Provenance and Auction History
The painting was commissioned by the King family, who later became the Earls of Lovelace. The work remained in the family’s possession for “almost 200 years”. When the painting last appeared at auction “20 years ago”, it was as part of the Champalimaud collection. At that time, it “justifiably broke all previous auction records for the artist”.
This canvas was part of a “decorative scheme”. Other works from this same series are now held in various museums and private collections, including the National Gallery of Art in Washington and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
Expert Assessment
According to Andrew Fletcher, the Global Head of Christie’s Old Masters Department, the painting is one of the “most visually powerful” works Canaletto ever produced, citing its “scale, colour and composition”.
The painting’s condition was also highlighted as a key factor. Fletcher described the work as “impeccably preserved,” with a “paint surface almost as pristine as when it left the artist’s easel”. He noted this state of preservation makes it highly desirable for collectors “who increasingly seek the very best of the best”.
The Broader Sale
Venice, the Bucintoro at the Molo on Ascension Day will lead what the auction house anticipates will be an “especially strong Classics Week” at Christie’s Rockefeller Center. This series of sales is set to “include a number of important single-owner collections coming to the market for the first time”. It will also feature “a strong various-owner sales series,” offering “paintings, sculptures, drawings and antiquities”.
Upcoming Auction and Viewings
The painting will be on tour to several locations: 7-12 November in New York; 20-21 November in Hong Kong; and 27 November-2 December in London.
The work will be on view in New York from 29 January-3 February 2026. It is scheduled to be offered during the New York Old Masters Sales on 4 February 2026.
