View of the Arch of Constantine with the Colosseum

Canaletto's View of the Arch of Constantine with the Colosseum, painted in 1754, belongs to the series of Roman vedute he made during his mature period, combining his Venetian topographical precision with the subjects most coveted by Grand Tour collectors. Canaletto visited Rome early in his career and the city's ancient monuments remained available compositional material throughout his working life. The Arch of Constantine and the Colosseum together constituted one of the most iconic Roman views.

The ancient arch is presented in strong lateral light that emphasises the relief sculpture in its upper zone. Canaletto renders the ancient stone with the same precise attention to texture and light he brought to Venetian marble. The Colosseum's massive curved bulk in the background is handled with careful atmospheric recession that places it convincingly in depth.