Capriccio with Venetian Motifs (c.1742) by Canaletto

Capriccio with Venetian Motifs - Canaletto - c.1742

Artwork Information

TitleCapriccio with Venetian Motifs
ArtistCanaletto
Datec.1742
Mediumoil,canvas
Dimensions51.2 x 68.6 cm
Art MovementRococo
Current LocationSaint Louis Art Museum, St. Louis, MO, US

About Capriccio with Venetian Motifs

“Capriccio with Venetian Motifs,” created by Canaletto circa 1742, is an exquisite oil painting on canvas that belongs to the Rococo art movement. The artwork, measuring 51.2 x 68.6 cm, is a capriccio, a genre characterized by fantastic and whimsical architecture and landscapes. This distinguished piece is housed at the Saint Louis Art Museum in St. Louis, Missouri, United States.

The artwork presents a fantastical Venetian landscape, juxtaposing various architectural elements and structures that are typical of Venice. Dominated by an expansive sky, it features a blend of ruinous and well-preserved structures, including a bell tower, an archway, and a bridge, with water bodies intermittently weaving through the scene. The meticulous detail and lighting in this piece evoke a dreamlike quality, harmoniously integrating human figures engaged in daily activities with towering edifices that celebrate Venice’s architectural grandeur. The artist’s use of light and shadow renders a serene yet enigmatic atmosphere, reflecting the Rococo style’s penchant for lightness, elegance, and picturesque locales.

Other Artwork from Canaletto

More Rococo Artwork

Scroll to Top