Artwork

Regatta in Volta di Canal

Regatta in Volta di Canal, by Francesco Guardi, oil, 1762
Regatta in Volta di Canal, by Francesco Guardi, oil, 1762

Regatta in Volta di Canal is an oil painting by Francesco Guardi. It dates from 1762 and is held in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Regatta in Volta di Canal is a painting by Francesco Guardi, created around 1762. It is an oil painting held in the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a lively regatta, a traditional Venetian boat race, set against the city's canals and architecture. The scene is bustling with boats and people gathered along the water's edge, conveying a sense of energy and activity.

Technique & Style

Guardi's style is characterized by loose, spirited brushwork, distinct from the more formal influences of earlier Venetian painters like Canaletto. The use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth, drawing the viewer's eye into the scene.

History & Provenance

Guardi shifted his focus to cityscapes, or vedute, after his brother Gian Antonio's death in 1760. Regatta in Volta di Canal is a product of this period, showcasing his mature style.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Francesco Guardi

Artist

Francesco Guardi

Francesco Lazzaro Guardi (Italian pronunciation: ; 5 October 1712 – 1 January 1793) was an Italian painter, nobleman, and a member of the Venetian School.