Artwork

The Grand Canal, Venice

The Grand Canal, Venice, by Francesco Guardi, oil, 1760
The Grand Canal, Venice, by Francesco Guardi, oil, 1760

The Grand Canal, Venice is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Francesco Guardi. It dates from 1760 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

The Grand Canal, Venice is an oil on canvas painting by Francesco Guardi, showcasing a vibrant scene of Venetian life.

Subject & Meaning

The painting captures the Grand Canal's mouth, teeming with activity in the late afternoon, with the church of Santa Maria della Salute and the customhouse visible on the right.

Technique & Style

Guardi's use of chiaroscuro creates depth, with the interplay of light and dark evoking a sense of atmosphere, distinguishing his work from that of his predecessors.

History & Provenance

Guardi began painting cityscapes in his mid-40s, influenced by Canaletto and Michele Marieschi, and this work is one of his significant early examples of the genre.

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.