Artwork

The Equestrian Monument [upper right]

The Equestrian Monument [upper right], by Canaletto, ink, 1740
The Equestrian Monument [upper right], by Canaletto, ink, 1740

The Equestrian Monument [upper right] 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 Equestrian Monument is an etching on laid paper created by Giovanni Antonio Canal, known as Canaletto, around 1740. It is a representative work of the artist's engagement with printmaking.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a waterfront scene with a mix of old buildings and ships, featuring a prominent equestrian statue on a pedestal. The scene blends real and imagined elements, characteristic of Canaletto's compositions.

Technique & Style

Canaletto used fine lines to capture the details of the scene, from the ropes on the ships to the patterns on the buildings, showcasing his skill with the etching technique.

Context

The work reflects Canaletto's practice of recording real and imagined places, a common approach among artists of his time who used detailed drawings to document cityscapes and landscapes.

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.