Canaletto Style Ink Drawing

attributed to Thomas Girtin (1775-1802) 
possibly after Antonio Canal Called Canaletto 1697–1768

'Salisbury' View of Salisbury Cathedral, from the Cathedral Close 1748–1749. 

This is an eighteenth century antique drawing attributed to Thomas Girtin in the style of the famous Venetian artist Antonio Canal, called 'Canaletto' of one of England's greatest cathedrals in the mid eighteenth century, with period characters including ladies, gents, and clergy strolling and talking, a carriage is also passing. Girtin; like Canaletto; was known for his accurate depictions of architectural landmarks and local characters which he also includes in this picture.

Canaletto did actually visit the regional estate of one of his patrons and stayed with the 4th Duke of Beaufort at Badminton House in 1748–1749 and its quite easy to imagine him travelling 45 miles south to visit the famous cathedral and town. As far as we know this is a Girtin and this drawing was never used to make a finished painting that is catalogued, as far as we can find. In a flight of fancy, it could have been produced during Canaletto's visit and tour of England during his nine-years 1746-1755, where he completed many drawings and paintings of London, Windsor and Eaton, and many regional sights. 

Size:
The drawing is measures 21 cm x 29 cm, or 8" x 11,6" complete with frame 45 cm x 55 cm. The beautiful frame and matting are professional museum quality acid free matting and museum glass in an antique wooden gilt frame.

Provenance:

Dominic Winter Auctions, Near Cirencester, United Kingdom, July 18, 2012
Lot 148: Thomas Girtin / Manner of Thomas Girtin (1775-1802). View of Salisbury Cathedral

Est: £200 GBP - £400 GBP

Description: Manner of Thomas Girtin (1775-1802). View of Salisbury Cathedral, with numerous figures and carriage, pen and brown ink with grey wash on laid paper, inscribed Salisbury top left, 205 x 286mm (8 x 11.25ins), framed and glazed.