The Royal Collection has one of the largest and finest collections of Venetian art from the first half of the eighteenth century. It includes paintings, prints and drawings by Canaletto himself, as well as those of his contemporaries, such as Sebastiano and Marco Ricci, Antonio Visentini, Francesco Zuccarelli and Giovanni Battista Piazzetta. These artists were patronised by Consul Smith and their works were later purchased by George III. This lavishly illustrated catalogue marks the first time that the rich holdings of eighteenth-century Venetian art in the Royal Collection will have been brought together, and focuses on presenting these extraordinary works against the background of the social and artistic networks of the period. Whilst displaying and analysing the brilliant works of Canaletto himself, including his cityscapes, capriccios and paintings of architecture, this catalogue also discusses the intimate interior of Venetian life, explores the links between artists and the theatre in Venice at this time and looks at Venice as a centre for printmaking and book production.

View-painting in eighteenth-century Venice began with the emergence of Luca Carlevarijs and ended with the death of Francesco Guardi in 1793. This title presents an overview of the artists then working in the city, and draws on the latest research and scholarship to illuminate the complex stylistic relationships between them.

Famous series of paintings reproduced in contemporary engravings by Visentini. Wonderful view of 18th-century Venice; thorough text by J. Links. 50 illustrations.

No-one captures the allure and charm of Venice better than Canaletto This volume presents a substantial overview of the life and works of the great Venetian painter. More than 70 works by Canaletto, including paintings and drawings from both public and private collections, are brought together to demonstrate the breadth of the artist's creative capacity. Also included is a rare collection of documents concerning Canaletto's artistic adventures, as well as a series of prints that served as inspiration while crafting his iconic city views. Together, these materials illuminate both the public genius and private personality and life of the Venetian master. Giovanni Antonio Canal(1697-1768), known as Canaletto, began his career as a scene painter for the theaters of Venice. The artist is best known for his ability to capture encompassing views of the Venetian cityscape in paint, works that were frequently sold to European aristocrats on the Grand Tour. These early paintings often subtly blur the boundary between the real and imaginary, as the artist masterfully repositioned buildings and warped viewpoints to achieve the most holistic presentation of his subject. Although Canaletto is regarded as one of the greatest artists of the 18th century today, his life was mired in controversy as he struggled with his public perception, fighting to be accepted by the Venetian Academy of Fine Arts before dying in poverty.

Catalog of an exhibition held at the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, October 15, 2015 - January 10, 2016.