| Method | Etching with early hand colouring |
| Artist | Antonio Canaletto |
| Published | A. Canal. f. [1744] |
| Dimensions | Image 295 x 424 mm, Plate 302 x 429 mm, Sheet 349 x 457 mm |
| Notes |
A view of one of the canal channels and sluice-gates of the Brenta river, in the Italian town of Dolo, near Venice, one of a rare series of 34 etchings of Venetian Vedute by Canaletto. A gondola and a luxury passenger boat known as a burchiello sits in the channel, and a number of groups of people occupy the foreground of the view. To the left, a butcher works in his shop, carcasses hanging against the walls. In the centre, a well dressed couple stroll past a pair of dogs and a group of workers picking fruit from a tree. The town of Dola became an important inland transport hub following the decrease of Venetian maritime power in the Mediterranean. The town's series of arcaded sluice-gates were established to regulate the flooding of the Venetian lake, and, along with Dolo's water-mills, were the subject of a number of Canaletto's paintings and etchings. Giovanni Antonio Canal, known colloquially as Canaletto (18th October 1697 - 19th April 1768) was an Italian painter and printmaker. Canaletto is celebrated as the master of Venetian vedute, being one of the most popular artists for British aristocrats on the Grand Tour. Canaletto's major inspiration were the Roman vedute and capricci of Giovanni Paolo Pannini. Although best known for his paintings, Canaletto also produced a number of etchings, including a series of 30 plates of Venice and its surrounds. The interest in Canaletto's work in Britain was great, spurred by the collections of various British nobles, and especially by George III, who amassed a significant number for the Royal Collection. As a result, prints of Canaletto's vedute were in high demand. Inscribed in bottom right corner of plate: 'F F 2' Third State, early impression of second printing. Bromberg 6 (iii/iii), De Vesme 6, P&G 3. Condition: Watermark 'R' surmounted by crown (Bromberg No. 10), near top of sluice-gate. Small tears, stains, and creases to margins, not affecting image. Waterstain to hand-colour at centre. |
| Framing | mounted |
| Price | £1,500.00 |
| Stock ID | 37587 |