(Nove 1824–1884 Venice)
The Moro with the return of the Bucintoro, Venice,
oil on canvas, 56.5 x 79 cm, framed

Provenance:
art market, France;
where acquired by the present owner

We are grateful to Fabrizio Magani for endorsing the attribution of the present painting and for his help in cataloguing this lot.

The present work vividly captures the celebrations on Ascension Day in Venice, showing a bustling scene filled with ornate boats, galleys, and gondolas against the backdrop of the city’s iconic architecture, including the Doge’s Palace and the Libreria Marciana. Central to this celebration is the Bucintoro, the ceremonial boat of the doge, symbolising Venice’s historical connection to the sea.

The event began the night before Ascension Day, with the Bucintoro taken from the Arsenal basin to San Marco, where it was moored in front of the Doge’s Palace. The grand procession culminated in a marriage rite to the sea, marked by artillery salutes from the harbour forts. After the ceremony, the Bucintoro sailed toward the Lido, completing its ceremonial journey with a return to Piazza San Marco, further underscoring Venice’s enduring maritime legacy. This vibrant composition by Francesco Zanin reflects the lively atmosphere of the festival, with the doge and his court depicted almost as mere drops of colour.

Francesco Zanin is notable for his unique approach that blends traditional vedutismo with a fresh emotional sensibility. His work draws inspiration from the rich artistic heritage of Venice, echoing the styles of painters including Canaletto and the Guardi, yet adding a contemporary vibrancy. Zanin’s paintings are characterised by their ability to capture the atmospheric qualities of light and colour.

Zanin’s technique reflects a synthesis of the macchia style, known for its loose brushwork, with a more intimate and personal narrative approach. This fusion creates a dynamic interplay of figures and architecture. His depictions of Venetian festivals showcase his sensitivity to historical context, apparent in the present composition.