Le Preson. V. [lower left]

c. 1735/1746

Canaletto

Associated Names
Canaletto

Artist, Venetian, 1697 - 1768

The image shows a bustling urban waterfront scene from a slightly elevated point of view. Buildings line the horizon, with intricate details and fine lines in the etching. The color palette is monochromatic, creating contrast and depth. Figures in period attire can be seen near the water, some tending to boats. The buildings in the distance add depth to the scene.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Paul Mellon Collection

  • Dimensions

    plate: 14.3 x 21.2 cm (5 5/8 x 8 3/8 in.)
    sheet: 45.8 x 63.6 cm (18 1/16 x 25 1/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1985.64.151.d

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Bromberg 1993, no. 21, state ii/iii

  • Series Title

    Vedute [Vesme 1-32]

Associated Artworks

The image features a classical architectural city scene with intricate details. A building occupies the right side of the image extending into the distance while a tall column is visible towards the left. The lower horizon suggests an urban square setting. The image appears as an etching with fine lines and hatching to show texture and shadow. The monochromatic color palette enhances the historical feel. The sky has horizontal and diagonal lines indicating clouds. People in period attire are shown in the plaza, engaging in various activities.

La libreria. V. [upper left]

Canaletto

1742

The image shows a city square with several buildings in the background. A flagpole stands tall in the distance. The detailed etching captures the architecture and people in the square. The color scheme is monochromatic, with browns and blacks dominating. People in period attire are depicted conversing or walking around. The sky is clear with light clouds, framed by grand buildings on either side of the square.

Le Procuratie niove e S. Ziminian V. [upper right]

Canaletto

1735

The image is an etching displaying a busy scene in Venice, focusing on the area near the Doge's Palace. The perspective is slightly elevated, showing a piazza leading to Venetian architecture. The horizon is above the heads of distant figures, with columns and domes defining the skyline. The etching features precise, linear strokes capturing architectural details and a lively crowd. The color scheme is monochromatic, using black and white shades to create contrast and depth. People in flowing garments gather in the foreground, while ships' masts can be seen in the distance, indicating the proximity of water and the city's lively atmosphere.

La Piera del Bando. V. [lower right]

Canaletto

1735

Artwork history & notes

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. 21, ii/iii.

1993

  • Bromberg, Ruth. Canaletto's etchings: revised and enlarged edition of the catalogue raisonné. San Francisco: Alan Wofsy Fine Arts, 1993, no. 21, ii/iii

2002

  • Montecuccoli degli Erri, Federico. Canaletto incisore. Venice: Istituto veneto di scienze, lettere ed arti, 2002, no. 18.

Inscriptions

lower left in plate: A. Canal. f.; lower center in plate: le Preson. V.

Watermarks

Coat of arms (Bromberg 1)

Wikidata ID

Q74070651

You may be interested in

Loading Results