Artwork

The House with the Inscription [left]

The House with the Inscription [left], by Canaletto, ink, 1741
The House with the Inscription [left], by Canaletto, ink, 1741

The House with the Inscription [left] is an ink print by the Baroque artist Canaletto. It dates from 1741 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The House with the Inscription [left] is an etching on laid paper created by Canaletto in 1741. It exemplifies his skill as a printmaker and his focus on capturing urban landscapes.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a densely populated cityscape with a harbor, featuring a mix of architectural details and everyday life. The inscription 'DECYLLAGO' on one building may refer to a local business or landmark, adding a layer of specificity to the scene.

Technique & Style

Canaletto employed etching to achieve a high level of detail and texture, using varying line thicknesses to convey depth and light. The technique allowed for the capture of intricate architectural features and urban activity.

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.