Important Turner Painting To Be Auctioned By Christies

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed)
Mar 30th 2006 at 7:03AM

The painting to watch at the upcoming Important Old Masters Paintings auctions to be held at Christie's New York on April 6 is this painting by Joseph Mallord William Turner. The painting Guidecca, La Donna della Salute and San Giorgio was one of three Venetian paintings exhibited by Turner at the Royal Academy of Arts Exhibition of 1841. Turner traveled to Venice several times and painted many watercolors during his travels but only created a few oil paintings based on the same scenes. This painting captures Venice as a beautiful city already in decay. The painting's provenance dates back to its original sale for 250 guineas to Elhanan Bicknell. The painting was donated in 1992 to the St. Francis of Assisi foundation which is now selling the painting (making this a tax-exempt purchase for the lucky bidder). Turner is considered one of the finest British painters and his work paved the way for the Impressionists. The painting could sell for around $20 million.

Tags: auction, christies, painting, turner