The Pier near Riva degli Schiavoni with the Column of San Marco
Canaletto·1742
Historical Context
This 1742 view of the pier near the Riva degli Schiavoni with the column of San Marco, now in Milan's Pinacoteca del Castello Sforzesco, captures the ceremonial entrance to Venice at the waterfront columns. The column of San Marco, topped by a winged lion, was one of Venice's most potent symbols. 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 prec...
Technical Analysis
The column rises dramatically against the sky, providing a strong vertical element in the waterfront composition. The surrounding architectural detail and boat traffic are rendered with Canaletto's mature precision.
Look Closer
- ◆Notice the column of San Marco rising dramatically against the sky — the winged lion atop it being one of Venice's most potent symbols of power.
- ◆Look at the strong vertical element in the waterfront composition surrounded by architectural detail and boat traffic in this 1742 Milan painting.
- ◆Observe the ceremonial entrance to Venice at the waterfront columns, rendered with Canaletto's mature precision.
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