Eustis Estate
Piazza San Marco, Venice
Unknown artist
Venice, 1730–90
Oil on canvas
33 x 41 in.
Gift of Dorothy S. F. M. Codman
1969.849
This painting was acquired by Charles Russell Codman (1784–1852), son of John Codman III, whose portrait hangs in the third gallery. Like many connoisseurs, Codman wanted a classic scene of Venice as a marker of his good taste. He initially believed that this work was by Canaletto (1697–1768), but eventually realized that the brushwork lacks that Venetian master’s vitality. He reattributed it to Francesco Guardi (1712–1793), but that was also incorrect. We now believe it was likely done by a follower of Canaletto.