Canaletto

Canaletto was born Giovanni Antonio Canal in 1697 in Venice and became one of the most celebrated painters of city views in the 18th century. He is best known for his detailed and luminous depictions of Venice, capturing its canals, architecture, and daily life with remarkable precision. Trained initially in stage design, he brought a strong sense of perspective and spatial clarity to his compositions. His paintings combine accuracy with an idealized sense of grandeur.

Canaletto’s works were especially popular among British travelers on the Grand Tour, and many were exported to England. He later spent several years working in London, where he painted views of the Thames and the city’s landmarks. His careful use of light and atmosphere gives his scenes a vivid sense of place. Though highly detailed, his paintings maintain compositional harmony and elegance. Canaletto died in 1768. Today, he is regarded as a master of the veduta tradition and a key figure in Venetian art.