Bernardo Bellotto's View of the Molo from the Bacino di San Marco headlined a sale of Old Master and 19th century paintings at Sotheby's New York on January 30. 

The piece realised $281,000 - an increase of 212.2% on a $90,000 estimate.

Bellotto was the nephew of renowed Venetian view painter Canaletto

It was originally attributed to Canaletto, a painter whose work sells for significantly more. It has since been identified as a work by his nephew, Bernardo Bellotto (1721-1780) - who studied under him and regularly used his name to advance his own career.

Sotheby's explained: "Stylistic comparison with other works of this period suggests a closer affinity to Bernardo Bellotto than to Canaletto.

"Based on comparison with the catalogue description and photograph from the important Leningrad Museum and Palace sale held at Lepke Auction House in Berlin in 1929, it seems probable that this is the same work that was deaccessioned by the Museum as an authentic work by Canaletto."

Hendrik Reekers' Still Life with Game and Fruit also sold well, realising $106,250 against a valuation of $30,000 (up 254.1%).

Reekers (1815-1854) was a master still life painter who produced relatively few pieces over the course of his short life. His work is highly sought after.

The sale took place as part of New York's Old Master week.

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