Oil painting -> List of Painters -> Canaletto
Early Days:
Canaletto was born in Venice as the son of the painter Bernardo Canal, hence his mononym Canaletto ("little Canal"), and Artemisia Barbieri. His nephew and pupil Bernardo Bellotto was also an accomplished landscape painter, with a similar painting style, and sometimes used the name "Canaletto" to advance his own career, particularly in countries—Germany and Poland—where his uncle was not active.
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Personal Details
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Career:
After returning from Rome in 1719, he began painting in his famous topographical style. His first known signed and dated work is Architectural Capriccio (1723, Milan, in a private collection). Studying with the older Luca Carlevaris, a moderately-talented painter of urban cityscapes, he rapidly became his master's equal.
In 1725, the painter Alessandro Marchesini, who was also the buyer for the Lucchese art collector Stefano Conti had inquired about buying two more 'views of Venice', when the agent informed him to consider instead the work of "Antonio Canale... it is like Carlevaris, but you can see the sun shining in it."
Canaletto's early works remain his most coveted and, according to many authorities, his best. One of his finest early pieces is The Stonemason's Yard (1729, London, the National Gallery) which depicts a humble working area of the city.
Works Of Canaletto:
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Giovanni Antonio Canal, commonly known as Canaletto, was an Italian painter of the Venetian schoolwhose mastery of vedute, or cityscape views, earned him international acclaim during the 18th century.Born on October 28, 1697, in Venice, Canaletto's artistic career unfolded against the backdrop of thecity's unique architecture and grand canal scenes. Canaletto's early training was under his father, Bernardo Canal, a scenic painter, before he further honed his skills with his brother, Bernardo Canal the younger.
Canaletto's distinct style emerged as he absorbed the influences of Venetian painters such as Luca Carlevarijs and Marco Ricci. The artist quickly gained recognition for his precise depictions of the city of Venice, capturing its landmarks, canals, and iconic architecture. His meticulous attention to detail, combined with a keen sense of perspective, set Canaletto apart as a master of vedute. His works often showcased the play of light on water, the intricate details of buildings, and the bustling life of the city. In the early 18th century, Canaletto's reputation grew as he attracted the attention of English collectors during their Grand Tour of Europe.
His paintings, particularly those depicting the scenic beauty of Venice, became highly sought after by aristocrats and art enthusiasts, establishing Canaletto as a leading vedutista. Canaletto's popularity led him to travel to England, where he spent several years creating vedute of London, most notably the Thames River and prominent landmarks like Westminster Bridge. His works captured the architectural splendor of the city, portraying it with the same precision and attention to detail that had made his Venetian scenes famous. One of Canaletto's notable English works is "The Thames and the City of London from Richmond House," a panoramic view showcasing the bustling life along the river, including cargo ships and pleasure boats.
His ability to convey a sense of grandeur while maintaining accuracy in his depictions solidified his reputation as a master of urban landscapes. Canaletto's paintings were not limited to cityscapes; he also depicted ceremonial events and festivities. His "Regatta on the Grand Canal" is a lively and colorful portrayal of the annual boat race in Venice. The dynamic composition and attention to the play of light on the water reveal Canaletto's ability to infuse even celebratory scenes with a sense of artistic mastery. While Canaletto's vedute were his most celebrated works, he also created capricci, imaginary architectural compositions that allowed him to showcase his creativity and technical skill.
These capricci often combined real and imagined elements, highlighting Canaletto's ability to transcend the boundaries of reality in favor of artistic expression. Canaletto's impact on the art world extended beyond his own creations. His nephew and pupil, Bernardo Bellotto, continued his uncle's tradition of vedute, earning his own recognition as a skilled painter of cityscapes. In 1762, Canaletto returned to Venice, where he continued to paint until his death on April 19, 1768. His legacy endured, with his vedute continuing to be admired for their artistic excellence and historical significance. The meticulous accuracy and breathtaking beauty of Canaletto's cityscapes have cemented his place in the pantheon of great artists. His ability to elevate the genre of vedute to new heights, capturing the essence and spirit of cities like Venice and London, ensures that Canaletto's works remain timeless expressions of urban life and architectural splendor.
