Artwork

The Bishop's Tomb [center]

The Bishop's Tomb [center], by Canaletto, ink, 1740
The Bishop's Tomb [center], by Canaletto, ink, 1740

The Bishop's Tomb [center] 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.

About this work

Overview

The Bishop's Tomb is an etching created by Giovanni Antonio Canal, known as Canaletto, around 1740. It is a representative work of his printmaking practice.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a serene churchyard scene with ornate tombs and a lone figure in contemplation. The detailed carvings on the tombs suggest their significance, while the artist's use of fine lines creates a sense of depth and dimensionality.

Technique & Style

Canaletto employed etching techniques to achieve a high level of detail and texture in the print. The use of fine lines and shading creates a three-dimensional effect, characteristic of his skillful handling of the medium.

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: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.