Rediscovered Bellotto View of Karlskirche to Headline Dorotheum Old Masters Sale
An undiscovered artwork by Bernardo Bellotto, named The Karlskirche Vienna, is set to be auctioned at Dorotheum on 21 October 2026. This piece illustrates the Karlskirche, a church created by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, which was finished in 1739 to mark the conclusion of a significant plague outbreak. Renowned for his topographical representations of Vienna during the Habsburg era, Bellotto likely crafted this painting during or shortly after his time in the city from 1759 to 1761. Recently authenticated as a genuine work by Bellotto, who was both the nephew and student of the Venetian painter Canaletto, this newly found piece serves as the original for other iterations. The auction will occur in the Old Masters section at Dorotheum.
Key facts
- The Karlskirche Vienna by Bernardo Bellotto will be offered for sale at Dorotheum on 21 October 2026.
- The painting is a previously unknown work by Bellotto.
- The Karlskirche was designed by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and completed in 1739.
- The church was built to mark the end of the last great plague epidemic.
- Bellotto painted famous topographical views of Vienna during Habsburg power.
- The view was likely painted during or shortly after Bellotto's stay in Vienna between 1759 and 1761.
- The work has been confirmed as a fully autograph work by Bellotto.
- Bellotto was the nephew and pupil of Canaletto.
- The painting is the prototype for other versions.
- The sale will be part of Dorotheum's Old Masters auction.
Entities
Artists
- Bernardo Bellotto
- Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach
- Canaletto
Institutions
Locations
- Vienna
- Austria