Canaletto (Giovanni Antonio Canal) (1697-1768) A view of the lower reaches of the Grand Canal, c.1730, pen and ink over traces of pencil

This work is one of a set of eight views of the Grand Canal none of which were made on the spot. Rather, they were carefully constructed in the studio from a number of open air sketches taken from many different vantage points, and are all independent works of art.

This view looks north-west along the lower reach of the Canal. Stylistically all eight views of the canal are very similar, showing splendid technique in pen work with precise diagonal hatching and well placed squiggles to suggest texture. The only stylistic difference between the eight works is Canaletto's treatment of the sky in each one.

The diagonal hatching seen here is typical of Canaletto's interest in rendering light and its effects - the sunlight as it falls from the upper right hand corner of the work is followed with mathematical precision by Canaletto's hatching.