Circle of GUARDI, Francesco (Italian 1712-1793) (2) The Piazzetta; and St Mark's Clocktower and Basilica, Venice. Oil on Canvas (2) 44.5x28.5cm each (irreg.) 53x34.5cm each (framed)
PROVENANCE: Mr P.S. Garling (or his son A.R. Garling); thence by descent to Mrs L.S. Humphries, Sydney; thence by descent - estate late Margot D Staples, Sydney.
OTHER NOTES: These two works were purchased in Munich in May 1930 as original works by Guardi. They were represented as originally part of a set of six; and formed part of a deceased estate, represented according to later correspondence, by a Herr Schuck. 1960s correspondence states that they were originally imported to Australia accompanied by certificate of authenticity now lost. Attempts to trace these documents and a more complete provenance through Australian customs and via the art dealer's son, Valentin Schuck, proved unsuccessful. Estimate $3,000-6,000