Italian master's drawing sells for £135,000 at Oxford auction

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 21:09 · Archive

A previously unrecorded drawing by 18th-century Venetian artist Canaletto sold for £135,000 at Mallams Oxford.

A previously unrecorded drawing by 18th-century Venetian artist Giovanni Antonio Canal, known as Canaletto, sold for £135,000 at Mallams Oxford on Wednesday, October 21. The work, titled 'A Capriccio of a ruined Renaissance arcade and pavilion by a waterway crossed by a wooden footbridge, a round tower beyond', is believed to be the first time a capriccio by the artist has come to market in approximately 150 years.

Canaletto (1697–1768) is celebrated for his views of Venice, known as vedute, which proved popular with British collectors during the 18th century, and for his capricci, imaginary compositions of architecture, ruins and landscapes brought together.

Rupert Fogden, Mallams Director and Head of Sale, said: 'There was a palpable feeling of anticipation in the room when we were a few lots away.' He added that the bidding at the end was between a telephone bidder and an online bidder, with the hammer finally dropping at £135,000 to the phone bidder.

How it is being reported

• Italian master's drawing sells at auction for £135kAn incredible drawing from 18th century Venetian artist Giovanni Antonio Canal, or Canaletto, has been sold at Mallams Oxford for £135,000.Oxford Mail · 23 Oct, 20:00
• Italian master's drawing sells at auction for £135kAn incredible drawing from 18th century Venetian artist Giovanni Antonio Canal, or Canaletto, has been sold at Mallams Oxford for £135,000.Oxfordshire Guardian · 23 Oct, 20:00

In this story: Giovanni Antonio Canal (Canaletto) · Mallams Oxford · Venice · Oxford

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