The Little Monument [left]

c. 1735/1746

Canaletto

Associated Names
Canaletto

Artist, Venetian, 1697 - 1768

The image shows a view near a body of water, with a cityscape in the distance. The horizon is near the observer's eye level, with architectural silhouettes visible on it. On the right, there is a column-like monument in the water, and a person rowing a boat on the left. A tree's branches frame the top right of the scene. Fine lines create texture in the water and branches. The artwork has a monochromatic palette dominated by black ink on a light background.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching

  • Credit Line

    Paul Mellon Collection

  • Dimensions

    plate: 12 x 85 cm (4 3/4 x 33 7/16 in.)
    sheet: 46 x 63.6 cm (18 1/8 x 25 1/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1985.64.155.a

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Bromberg 1993, no. 33, state ii/ii

  • Series Title

    Vedute [Vesme 1-32]

Associated Artworks

The image depicts an architectural scene with classical elements. A tree trunk with foliage is on the left, contrasting with the structured elements around it. Columns, a statue, and architectural details are prominent. An archway and columns create depth on the right. In the background, there are hills or mountains with a small building. The artwork features detailed linework, cross-hatching, and a monochromatic color palette emphasizing black and white tones.

The Bishop's Tomb [center]

Canaletto

1735

The image depicts an etching featuring a view from a low angle of a curved stone bridge. The horizon is positioned along the top third of the image, with the bridge and a distant structure visible on it. Close to us are figures sitting by the water's edge beneath the bridge. A cart pulled by oxen and led by figures traverses the bridge. Above, a rustic-style building sits to the left of the bridge, with its roof edge paralleling the bridge's arc. The technique involves precise, parallel horizontal lines filling the background and detailed, slightly wavering lines defining the main elements like the bridge and building. The color palette consists of black lines and the white of the paper, creating strong contrast to emphasize the intricate detailing of the etching.

The Wagon Passing over a Bridge

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.

1945

  • Pallucchini, Rodolpho and Guarnati, G.F.. Le acqueforti del Canaletto. Venice: Edizioni Daria Guarnati, 1945, no. 29b.

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. 33, ii/ii.

1993

  • Bromberg, Ruth. Canaletto's etchings: revised and enlarged edition of the catalogue raisonné. San Francisco: Alan Wofsy Fine Arts, 1993, no. 33, ii/ii.

2002

  • Montecuccoli degli Erri, Federico. Canaletto incisore. Venice: Istituto veneto di scienze, lettere ed arti, 2002, no. 29.

Inscriptions

lower center in plate: A. C.

Watermarks

Coat of arms (Bromberg 1 and 2)

Wikidata ID

Q74070713

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