Canaletto and Bellotto: Postcard Idylls for Early Tourists

A new exhibition at the Kunsthaus Zürich explores the city views of Canaletto and his nephew Bernardo Bellotto, whose 18th-century paintings of Venice, Dresden, and other European cities became early tourist souvenirs. The show highlights how their detailed, luminous works shaped the visual identity of these places for generations. Both artists were highly sought after by wealthy travelers on the Grand Tour, creating idealized yet recognizable depictions that functioned like modern postcards. The exhibition includes loans from international museums and private collections, offering a comprehensive look at their careers and the market for vedute. It runs through January 2025.