The international art market is already gearing up for significant auctions in early 2026, with Christie's New York announcing the sale of one of Giovanni Antonio Canal, known as Canaletto’s, most spectacular Venetian views. “Venice, The Bucintoro at the Molo on Ascension Day”, painted around 1754 during his English period, will be the top lot at the Old Masters Evening Sale on February 4, 2026, during Classics Week. Many experts believe this monumental oil on canvas, measuring 151.7 x 137.1 cm, to be the artist's most theatrical and scenographic representation of Venice made during his London period, which lasted from 1746 to 1755. The painting was commissioned by the influential King family, which later became the Counts of Lovelace. It was in their possession for nearly two centuries before being introduced to the market. Expectations are high, fueled by the secrecy surrounding its estimated price. The previous global record for a Canaletto was set last July, when an older version of the same subject, painted for British Prime Minister Robert Walpole between 1731 and 1732, sold for 31.9 million pounds (about $43.8 million). The Bucintoro now coming to auction seems poised to surpass that record.