The Wallace Collection in London has reattributed an 18th-century painting, 'The Grand Canal with San Simeone Piccolo', to Bernardo Bellotto, previously thought to be a work by Canaletto. Created around 1737, when Bellotto was just 15 or 16, it features the church of San Simeone Piccolo and the demolished church of Santa Lucia. This reassessment came from a new catalogue which highlighted unique brushwork and palette techniques indicative of Bellotto's emerging style, alongside additional 18th-century views of Venice by renowned artists. Historical attributions reflect complex familial ties in the Venetian art scene.
The newly attributed painting, 'The Grand Canal with San Simeone Piccolo', showcases unique diagonal brushwork and a cool palette reflective of Bellotto's early style.
The Wallace Collection's new catalogue cites technical details that support the attribution to Bellotto, pointing out distinctive features that align with his artistry.
Beddington indicates that Bellotto, as Canaletto's nephew, also identified himself with Canaletto, warranting some historical ambiguity regarding the painting's attribution.
The painting was once considered the most authentic of Canaletti works by the first Keeper of the Wallace Collection, highlighting its historical significance.
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