An exhibit on Giovanni Antonio Canal (1697-1768), better known as Canaletto, the aptly surnamed Venetian painter whose views of the lagoon city contributed to visually define it in the world’s imagination, has opened in Rome. The show runs through August 19 to mark the 250th anniversary of the painter’s death.
The exhibit, “Canaletto 1697-1768,” will showcase the largest number of masterworks by the artist ever displayed in Italy. They include nine drawings, 16 books and archive documents and 42 paintings from Italian museums, as well as private collections and museums abroad. The show required two years of preparation and cost almost one million euros. Organized in nine sections, it has the objective of giving an insight into Canaletto’s entire career – from his work as a set designer through his revolution of landscape painting.
The exhibit is located at the Museo di Roma Palazzo Braschi and showcases the first landscapes representing the Rialto Bridge viewed from the north and the Grand Canal and Santa Maria della Carità, with a natural lighting lending fresh crispness to the spectacular views. Patrons offered Canaletto important commissions after his success in Italy and abroad. The Bucintoro di ritorno al Molo il giorno dell’Ascensione is from this period. The exhibit ends with the last years the artist spent in Venice, continuing to paint views of his city and drawings.
