(Palmanova 1762–1844 Milan)
The Grand Canal with the Rialto Bridge, Venice,
oil on canvas, 68 x 97 cm, framed

Provenance:
Private collection, Milan;
where acquired by the present owner

This important view painting by Giuseppe Bernardino Bison depicts the Grand Canal seen from the south, with the Rialto bridge dominating the lines of the buildings and linking the two banks, respectively called Fondamenta del Vin and Fondamenta del Ferro. On the far right, is the palazzo Dolfin-Manin and the bridge over the Rio San Salvatore, while at the centre, beyond the Rialto Bridge, is the Fondaco dei Tedeschi.

Bison displays mastery in the depiction of detail, enriches the composition inspired by the work of Canaletto. Bison infuses a spirit of life into his work, with his characteristic elegant palette of blue and pink tones which gives a romantic mood to the veduta, enlivened with numerous small figures populating the canal in accordance with the fashion of the day.

Giuseppe Bernardino Bison, who trained in the Venetian Academy in the 1780s, took up the legacy of the great era of Venetian view painting, continuing the examples of Francesco Guardi, Michele Marieschi, Marco Ricci, as well as Canaletto and Giambattista Tiepolo, while making himself the interpreter of the new taste that emerged at the turn of the century. His work as a painter of frescos in north-east Italy was prolific and he explored several genres with his easel painting. In addition to the vedute, he painted mythological scenes, landscapes and capriccio views, which were in high demand among collectors.