Artwork

Views: The Stone of Proclamation at Venice

Views:  The Stone of Proclamation at Venice, by Canaletto, 1740
Views:  The Stone of Proclamation at Venice, by Canaletto, 1740

Views: The Stone of Proclamation at Venice is a print by the Baroque artist Canaletto. It dates from 1740 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Views: The Stone of Proclamation at Venice is a print by Antonio Canaletto, created in 1740. It is a representative work of the artist's skill in capturing detailed cityscapes.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a significant Venetian landmark, the Stone of Proclamation, surrounded by figures in period attire. The scene is rendered with attention to architectural detail and atmospheric conditions, conveying a sense of the location's importance.

Technique & Style

Canaletto employed etching to achieve a high level of precision, capturing the texture of the building and the effects of light and shadow. The use of fine lines creates a detailed representation of the scene, characteristic of the vedute style.

History & Provenance

As a leading figure in the 18th-century Venetian school, Canaletto was known for his cityscapes and also produced capricci, or imaginary compositions. His work as a printmaker contributed to his reputation for detailed and realistic urban views.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Canaletto

Artist

Canaletto

Giovanni Antonio Canal (18 October 1697 – 19 April 1768), commonly known as Canaletto (Italian: ), was an Italian painter from the Republic of Venice, considered an important member of the 18th-century Venetian school.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.