Artwork

Views of Venice: The Basin of St. Mark's

Views of Venice:  The Basin of St. Mark's, by Michele Marieschi, 1741
Views of Venice:  The Basin of St. Mark's, by Michele Marieschi, 1741

Views of Venice: The Basin of St. Mark's 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. *Views of Venice: The Basin of St.

About this work

Overview

*Views of Venice: The Basin of St. Mark's* (1741) is a detailed cityscape by Italian artist Michele Marieschi, exemplifying the veduta genre. The painting captures a serene Venetian scene, focusing on the Basin of St. Mark’s and its surrounding architecture, with a muted color palette dominated by shades of gray, brown, and blue.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is the Basin of St. Mark’s in Venice, depicted with architectural precision, reflecting Marieschi’s stage design background. The scene conveys a sense of calm, with numerous boats, ships, and figures set against the backdrop of notable landmarks like a large domed church.

Technique & Style

While the source mentions Baroque characteristics, the painting's actual style, given its date and Marieschi's known work, leans more towards a realistic, detailed approach typical of 18th-century vedute. The use of muted colors and careful composition creates a sense of serenity rather than Baroque drama.

History & Provenance

Created in 1741, specific provenance details (ownership history) of *Views of Venice: The Basin of St. Mark's* are not provided in the available information.

Context

Part of the veduta tradition, this work reflects 18th-century interest in detailed, realistic depictions of cityscapes, particularly Venice, catering to both local pride and the curiosity of foreign visitors.

Legacy

As a representative of Marieschi’s oeuvre and the veduta genre, the painting contributes to the historical and artistic record of Venice’s appearance in the 18th century, though its individual impact on the broader art historical narrative is not highlighted in the provided sources.

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.