Lot 79
GIOVANNI SCHRANZ (1794-1882)
VIEW OF GRAND HARBOUR, VALETTA FROM CORRADINO
Auction: 6 December 2002 at 12:00 GMT
Description
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
91cm x 132cm ( 36in x 52in) and a companion a pair 'View of Grand Harbour during a Storm' (2)
Footnote
ProvenanceBlair House, Ayrshire
Note:In recent years extensive research has revealed much of the huge contribution the Schranz family has made to Maltese painting since the date of Anton's arrival on the island in 1817. From this time, and until his death in 1839 it can be difficult to separate the work of Anton and his sons Giovanni and Antonio both of whom studied under their father. It is not surprising therefore to learn that the distinguished art connoisseur and collector Count Saverio Marchese patronised not only Anton but also his son Giovanni who worked in his studio. On the death of his father Giovanni opted to continue the family business and to increment his income by endorsing the new process of lithography. In addition he ran a painting school, and it is interesting to speculate on how far he directly influenced the work of later generations as typified by Girolamo Gianni and Charles Ferro. Giovanni exhibited widely at the London Exhibitions of 1851 and 1886 and the Paris Exhibition of 1867, and his work was purchased by both Queen Adelaide, widow of William IV and Queen Victoria. The discovery of this important pair of matched views of Valetta is a welcome and worthy addition to our knowledge of this distinguished artist.