Canaletto Exhibition in Rome Explores the Venetian Master's Evolution
A major exhibition in Rome examines Canaletto's career, from his early theatrical works to his luminous Venetian vedute. The show highlights his use of the camera ottica, his archaeological capricci, and his influence on later artists like Francesco Guardi. Curator Anna Bozena Kowalczyk discusses Canaletto's stylistic shift, his relationship with nephew Bernardo Bellotto, and his international success among English aristocrats on the Grand Tour. The exhibition includes a rare painting once owned by Tiepolo, never before exhibited in Europe.
Key facts
- Canaletto (1697-1768) began as a theatrical scenographer alongside his father Bernardo.
- His trip to Rome (1719-1720) led him to abandon theater for natural views and archaeological capricci.
- He used the camera ottica for sketches, combining technical precision with poetic composition.
- Canaletto's success was fueled by English aristocrats on the Grand Tour and merchant J. Smith's marketing.
- The exhibition includes a painting once owned by Tiepolo, never before shown in Europe.
- Canaletto's nephew Bellotto worked in his studio but developed a distinct style with bolder colors and broader foregrounds.
- Francesco Guardi likely began as a follower of Canaletto, later evolving a more rapid, preromantic style.
- The show is reviewed in Grandi Mostre #10 and published on Artribune.
Entities
Artists
- Canaletto
- Bernardo Canal
- Gaspar van Wittel
- Luca Carlevarijs
- Giovanni Battista Tiepolo
- Bernardo Bellotto
- Francesco Guardi
- Roberto Longhi
- Giulia Andioni
Institutions
- Artribune
- Grandi Mostre
- The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts
- Jean-Luc Baroni Ltd
Locations
- Rome
- Venice
- Padua
- Turin
- Lombardy
- Canada
- Switzerland
- Moscow
- England