Who painted Blick auf S. Maria della Salute und den Canal Grande?

Blick auf S. Maria della Salute und den Canal Grande was painted by Gaspar van Wittel in 1706.

Where can I see Blick auf S. Maria della Salute und den Canal Grande?

Blick auf S. Maria della Salute und den Canal Grande is held by Bavarian State Painting Collections.

What movement is Blick auf S. Maria della Salute und den Canal Grande?

Blick auf S. Maria della Salute und den Canal Grande is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Blick auf S. Maria della Salute und den Canal Grande

Gaspar van Wittel , 1706

Blick auf S. Maria della Salute und den Canal Grande is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Gaspar van Wittel. It dates from 1706 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

In 1706 the Dutch painter Gaspar van Wittel, then working in Rome, completed a cityscape of Venice that records the view of the basilica of Santa Maria della Salute and the adjoining stretch of the Grand Canal. The composition captures the bustling waterfront, with figures on the promenade and small vessels navigating the water beneath a cloud‑filled sky.

Subject & Meaning

The canvas centers on the imposing domed church, its façade punctuated by rows of windows and arches, set against a spacious piazza where pedestrians linger. The surrounding canal scene, populated by modest boats and their occupants, conveys the everyday rhythm of Venetian public life, juxtaposing monumental architecture with ordinary activity.

Technique & Style

Van Wittel applied the veduta tradition, emphasizing precise perspective and meticulous rendering of architectural detail. His handling of light and shadow reflects a restrained chiaroscuro, giving volume to the structures while preserving the atmospheric quality of the sky and water. The work’s balanced composition and clear delineation are characteristic of early Rococo landscape painting.

History & Provenance

Created during the early Rococo period, the painting exemplifies van Wittel’s reputation as a leading topographical artist. Though the original patron is unknown, the work entered several European collections in the 18th century before being acquired by its present museum, where it remains a reference point for the development of urban view painting.

Artist & collection

Artist

Gaspar van Wittel

Caspar van Wittel or Gaspar van Wittel (Dutch: ; born Jasper Adriaensz van Wittel; 1652 or 1653 – 13 September 1736), known in Italian as Gaspare Vanvitelli (IPA: ) or Gasparo degli Occhiali (IPA: ), was a Dutch painter…