Artwork
Le Preson. V.
Le Preson. V. is an ink print by the Baroque artist Canaletto. It dates from 1740 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Le Preson.
About this work
Overview
Le Preson. V. is an etching by Canaletto, a prominent Venetian artist of the 18th century, created around 1740. It is part of a series of prints depicting Venetian prisons.
Subject & Meaning
The etching shows a crowded square surrounded by tall buildings with architectural details, and a covered walkway at its center. The scene blends observed and imagined elements, characteristic of Canaletto's work, and reflects his interest in Venice's urban landscape.
Technique & Style
Executed in fine lines, the etching captures the texture of buildings, railings, and water with precision. This attention to detail was a hallmark of Canaletto's style and a key aspect of 18th-century printmaking.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
![La libreria. V. [upper left], by Canaletto](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/canaletto--la-libreria-v-upper-left--08ea71d5490ab341-w320.webp)
![Le Preson. V. [lower left], by Canaletto](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/canaletto--le-preson-v-lower-left--26be544f774fb814-w320.webp)