Canaletto's genius was documenting in his paintings the immediately recognisable views of Venice in a naturalistic way. At the same time, his contemporaries such as Tiepolo, Guardi and Ricci were painting and sculpting religious, mythological and historical dramas in the grand baroque tradition. The dynamic tension between these contrasting artistic styles is the focal point of this fascinating examination of Venice in Canaletto's era. The book also examines the cultural context of the artist's development as a vedute, or view painter. This catalogue for exhibition opens with an extensive biography of Canaletto, illustrated by numerous reproductions of his work. The book also offers examples of the works of Canaletto's contemporaries, such as the genre pictures, frescoes and religious paintings that were typical of the era. A section on the decorative arts of eighteenth century Venice compares the remarkable spirit of these objects to Canaletto's landscapes. The result is a unique and multi-faceted portrait of a city on the brink of change and at a critical moment in the history of art. AUTHOR: Alexandra Libby is Assistant Curator of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, Florida. Stanton Thomas is Associate Curator at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art in Memphis, Tennessee. ILLUSTRATIONS 100 colour images
