Artwork

Views of Venice: S. Maria Formosa

Views of Venice:  S. Maria Formosa, by Michele Marieschi, 1741
Views of Venice:  S. Maria Formosa, by Michele Marieschi, 1741

Views of Venice: S. Maria Formosa is a print by the Baroque artist Michele Marieschi. It dates from 1741 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Michele Marieschi's *Views of Venice: S. Maria Formosa* (1741) is a detailed cityscape print of a Venetian scene, characteristic of the vedute genre. The work showcases the artist's ability to capture urban life and architecture.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts everyday life in Venice, balancing grand architectural elements (notably S. Maria Formosa with its dome and clock tower) with scenes of ordinary citizens navigating the streets, emphasizing the coexistence of monumental and mundane aspects of Venetian life.

Technique & Style

Executed in black-and-white, the sketch employs meticulous detail to convey depth and activity. While created during a period influenced by Baroque (suggesting a connection to dramatic lighting and composition), the monochrome approach and focus on daily life introduce a sense of realism and intimacy.

History & Provenance

Created in 1741 by Michele Marieschi, an Italian artist known for landscapes, cityscapes, and architectural themes, the work is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Context

As a vedute, *Views of Venice: S. Maria Formosa* reflects 18th-century interest in detailed, realistic depictions of urban landscapes, particularly in Venice. Marieschi's background in stage design may have influenced his compositional approach.

Legacy

While specific lasting impacts of this piece are not broadly documented, it contributes to the broader legacy of vedute in capturing the essence of Venice during the 18th century, influencing later artistic representations of the city.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Michele Marieschi

Artist

Michele Marieschi

Michele Marieschi or Michele Giovanni Marieschi, also Michiel (1710 - 18 January 1744), was an Italian painter and engraver.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.