Lot 2161 D α

Alongside Friedrich Nerly and his father Carlo Grubacs, Giovanni Grubacs was one of the most important veduta painters of Venice in the 19th century. A considerable number of his veduta scenes depict the city on the lagoon by night, illuminated by the moon or - like in these three works (see the following lots) – by the light of countless lamps and lanterns on the occasion of a great folk festival. Bringing to canvas the view of the city by night as well as the huge crowds of people attending the festivities presented a considerable artistic challenge that not many painters could master.
These three paintings by Giovanni Grubacs depict the celebration of the annual "Festa del Redentore", held on 7th July. This popular festival commemorates the conclusion of one of 16th century Europe's most significant plague epidemics. At the time, the Republic of Venice was a pioneer in the fight against the disease, being the first to implement the isolation of sick people (isola – island) as well quarantine measures. Strangers had to wait 40 days (cuaranta giorni) on another island before entering Venice and being allowed to move freely around the city.
In these paintings, all of Venice appears to be on its feet. People crowd along the Rialto Bridge, in the windows of the palazzi, on the pontoon bridge over the Grand Canal and on boats and gondolas. 1577 celebrated the end of a life-threatening period of almost three years, and the event has remained etched in the collective memory of Venetians to this day. Nowadays, the pontoon bridge is installed on the Canale della Giudecca and leads towards the Redentore church, which was also built in connection with the terrible plague epidemic of 1575-1577. The festival culminates in a magnificent fireworks display which remains an unmissable event in the Venetian calendar to this day.