Imaginary View of Venice

1741

Canaletto

Associated Names
Canaletto

Artist, Venetian, 1697 - 1768

The image shows an architectural scene of a historical European city from an elevated perspective. A prominent dome rises above the rooftops in the distance, alongside a horizon barely visible above rooftops and hills or mountains. The scene is detailed with fine lines in an etching style, giving it a textured appearance. It is primarily monochromatic, with shades of gray and black. There are figures, architectural ruins, dilapidated buildings, canals, and boats navigating waterways. The sky is detailed with lined textures indicating clouds and atmospheric effects.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 29.7 x 43.5 cm (11 11/16 x 17 1/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1971.30.5

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Bromberg 1993, no. 12, only state

  • Series Title

    Vedute [Vesme 1-32]

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1984

  • Graphic Survey Show, National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., February 1984.

1994

  • The Glory of Venice: Art in the Eighteenth Century, Royal Academy of Arts, London, and National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1994, 236, 237, 438, no. 145 (repro. p. 237)(entry by Ruth Bromberg).

Bibliography

1906

  • Vesme, Alexandre de (Baudi di Vesme, Alessandro). Le peintre-graveur italien; ouvrage faisant suite au peintre-graveur de Bartsch. Milan: Ulrico Hoepli, 1906.

1974

  • Bromberg, Ruth. Canaletto's etchings: a catalogue and study illustrating and describing the known states, including those hitherto unrecorded. London: Sotheby Parke Bernet, 1974, no. 12, only.

1993

  • Bromberg, Ruth. Canaletto's etchings: revised and enlarged edition of the catalogue raisonné. San Francisco: Alan Wofsy Fine Arts, 1993, no. 12, only.

1994

  • The Glory of Venice. Exh. cat. Royal Academy of Arts, London; National Gallery of Art, Washington; Museo del Settecento Veneziano - Ca'Rezzonico, Venice; Gallerie dell'Accademia, Venice, 1994-1995: no. 145.

2002

  • Montecuccoli degli Erri, Federico. Canaletto incisore. Venice: Istituto veneto di scienze, lettere ed arti, 2002, no. 32.

Wikidata ID

Q65507923

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