Guardi and Venice in the collection of the Gulbenkian Museum

From 3 February to 11 May 2025, the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum presents an exhibition that brings together for the first time in Madrid the entire collection of works by Francesco Guardi belonging to the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, thanks to a collaboration agreement between the two institutions. 

With a total of 18 oil paintings and one drawing, Francesco Guardi is the best represented artist in this collection composed of more than 6000 pieces of art compiled by the financier Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian (1869-1955), which, since 1969, can be seen in the museum that bears his name in Lisbon. 

In addition to his paintings, acquired between 1907 and 1921, there is one drawing by Guardi, incorporated in 2002, and an oil painting by his son Giacomo. The pieces are dated between 1765 and 1791 and show  iconic places in Venice, such as the Rialto Bridge and the Doge's Palace, festivals such as the Ascension, the surroundings of the city and some whimsical pieces from the latter stages of his career. 

After finishing his initial period as a painter of history, religious themes, frescoes and even still life paintings, Francesco Guardi focused on painting views of his city, first following the precise style of his predecessor Canaletto, and then adding vitality and illusionism to his compositions. 

Image credits:

• Francesco Guardi. The feast of the Ascension in St. Mark’s Square. Around 1775. Oil on canvas. 61 x 91 cm. © Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, Lisbon
• Francesco Guardi. View of the Molo and the Doge's Palace. Around 1780-1790. Oil on canvas. 48 x 78 cm © Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, Lisbon  
• Francesco Guardi. Regatta on the Grand Canal. Around 1775. Oil on canvas. 61 x 91 cm. © Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, Lisbon