Canaletto (Giovanni Antonio Canal) (1697–1768), Architectural Capriccio
, Pen and brown ink, with gray wash, over graphite and traces of black chalk, Gift of János Scholz
, 1973.48
Canaletto, who primarily worked for an affluent English clientele visiting Venice while on the Grand Tour, brought topographical painting to perfection. He also produced such fanciful views, or "capricci," as this one, which combine reality with imaginary elements. It is a fairly accurate rendering of the eastern end of San Lorenzo and the adjacent houses in the Castello neighborhood, though most other elements are purely fictional for this location. Picturesque details of everyday life evoke a uniquely Venetian atmosphere.