Giovanni Battistel (XIX) - Veduta della laguna di Venezia

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Giovanni Battistel (XIX) - Veduta della laguna di Venezia

Important and evocative oil on canvas by Giovanni Battistel, depicting a luminous view of the Venetian lagoon, signed by the artist in the lower right corner “G. Battistel” and accompanied by the inscription “Venezia”. The work is attributable to the late 19th century and takes on particular interest in light of historical documentation relating to the artist: Giovanni Battistel is indeed documented among the exhibitors of the III International Art Exhibition of the City of Venice in 1899, an event that constitutes one of the first chapters in the history of the Venice Biennale. In the exhibition catalog his name appears in Hall Z with the work no. 1, entitled “Primi raggi”. The photographs of the relevant archival documentation and of the historical catalog are attached to this listing as an important historical reference on the artist’s activity. The painting represents an authentic daily Venice, far from the more usual monumental views of Piazza San Marco and the Grand Canal. Battistel instead focuses on life in the lagoon, its minor architectures and, above all, the relationship between man, water and light. The composition unfolds horizontally through a sequence of Venetian buildings facing the water, interrupted by the presence of a bell tower and animated by numerous boats. At the center dominates a large traditional sailing boat, on which the figure of the boatman is clearly distinguishable. Around it appear other small boats and people engaged in daily activities: elements apparently minor, but painted with great care and able to give life and movement to the entire scene. Particularly fascinating is the female figure on the left, seated on the boat and characterized by the lively red bodice, one of the many small chromatic accents used by the painter to enliven the palette. The true protagonist of the work remains, however, the light of the Venetian lagoon. Battistel dedicates a large part of the painting surface to the sky and water, treated through a delicate range of dusty blues, pearly grays, pinks, ochres and earthy tones. The architectures seem almost to dissolve in the atmosphere, while the boats and figures emerge through more defined brushstrokes and sudden accents of red, orange, green and black. The choice to keep the horizon relatively low gives the composition a notable sense of breadth and depth, allowing the Venetian sky to occupy a fundamental part of the scene. Also very interesting is the painting technique observed up close: small touches of color define the figures, the roofs, the windows, the sails and the reflections on the water, while the sky and the lagoon are built with a looser, thinner, more atmospheric brushstroke. The surface preserves an antique patina, with craquelure and natural traces of time consistent with the period of the work, clearly documented in the numerous detailed photographs. At the bottom right is clearly visible the distinctive signature in red pigment “G. Battistel,” followed by the inscription “Venezia.” Of particular historical importance is the documented presence of Giovanni Battistel at the III International Art Exhibition of the City of Venice in 1899, where he exhibited Primi raggi. The photographic documentation attached to the listing allows the collector to consult directly the archival references relating to the artist. The work is also enhanced by a large and important period frame, gilded and darkened, characterized by a rich succession of vegetal and foliate relief decorations. The frame bears the natural patina and the wear of time, which preserve its historical charm, and constitutes itself a remarkable decorative element. Frame dimensions: 75 × 49 cm. Canvas dimensions: 55 × 30 cm. The back preserves the wooden panel and the ancient frame structure, both visible in the photographs. A work of particular charm for subject, atmosphere, decorative quality and historical-documentary interest, representative of the Venetian painting tradition from the late 19th century to the early new century. The presence of the signature G. Battistel – Venezia, together with the historical documentation relating to Giovanni Battistel’s participation in the Venice International Art Exhibition of 1899, constitutes an element of particular interest for collectors and scholars of Venetian painting of the period. The photographs constitute an integral part of the description and document details, signature, condition, frame, and attached historical references. Tracked insured shipping and adequate packaging.

Estimate:$672.92

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