The Doge's Palace and Riva degli Schiavoni, Venice
Canaletto·1730
Historical Context
This 1730 view of the Doge's Palace and Riva degli Schiavoni, now a National Trust property, captures Venice's grand waterfront promenade. The Riva was the city's main quayside, bustling with merchants, visitors, and gondoliers, and served as the principal approach to Venice for arriving travelers. Canaletto's Venetian views were largely produced for British Grand Tour aristocrats facilitated by his agent Joseph Smith, later British Consul in Venice. He employed a camera obscura to achieve pr...
Technical Analysis
The elongated composition follows the Riva's waterfront, with the Doge's Palace's Gothic arcade providing a rhythmic architectural element. The water of the Bacino mirrors the buildings and animated maritime activity.
Look Closer
- ◆Notice the elongated composition following the Riva's waterfront, with the Doge's Palace's Gothic arcade providing a rhythmic architectural element along the promenade.
- ◆Look at the water of the Bacino mirroring the buildings and animated maritime activity — the Riva was Venice's busiest promenade and principal approach for arriving travelers.
- ◆Observe the merchants, visitors, and gondoliers bustling along the quayside in this 1730 National Trust painting capturing Venice's grand waterfront.
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