Lot 195: Domenico Fossati Venice 1743 - 1784 , An Architectural Capriccio within Baroque framework tempera on canvas

tempera on canvas

measurements note 88 1/4 in. by 79 1/2 in. 224.2 cm by 201.9 cm

Villa Widmann-Foscari, Mira, VenetoAnonymous sale, Venice, Semenzato Casa D'Aste, May 16, 1998, lot 67

This canvas, together with the following lot, originally formed part of a larger series of decorative paintings, now dispersed, which adorned the salon and staircase of the Villa Widmann-Foscari, Mira, near Venice on the mainland. These impressive capricci recall the decorations for festivals and theatrical scenery, for which the artist is most well known.

In a private correspondence, dated February 25, 1995, Dr. Dario Succi confirmed the attribution to Fossati, and suggested a dating of circa 1775 for these canvases. (For a copy of the letter please inquire within the Old Master Paintings department.)