View of the Riva degli Schiavoni, Venice
Artist: Giovanni Antonio Canal, called Canaletto (Italian (Venice), 1697-1768)
Date: late 1730s
Dimensions:
18 1/2 x 24 7/8 in. (47.1 x 63.3 cm)
Medium: oil on canvas
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number: 1951.404
Label Text:In the age of the Grand Tour—travel to the famous sites of continental Europe that marked the “finishing touch” of every young gentleman’s education—art became the ultimate souvenir. Born Antonio Canal, Canaletto was the most distinguished 18th-century Italian painter who specialized in vedute (views), paintings of a city or town faithful enough to identify the location. His compelling views of Venice recorded the city for wealthy tourists of the 1700s. The flicker of light on the water, the stance of the gondoliers, and the clearly delineated buildings against a crisp blue sky demonstrate his passion for details and contribute to a sense of the city extending beyond the view shown. The pink 14th-century Doge’s Palace on the left and the Bridge of Sighs, just visible behind the Ponte della Paglia in the shadow to the right of the Palace, are still landmarks for visitors to Venice today.
This painting is part of a series of small Venetian views that were originally in the collection of Prince Josef Wenzel of Liechtenstein (1696-1772).
On view
In Collection(s)