The artwork “Roofs and Chimneys in Venice” was created by Canaletto around 1735 in Venice, Italy. Canaletto is well-known for his cityscapes, and this work is executed in ink on paper, typical of his intricate style. The piece is part of the Baroque movement and measures 30.3 by 43.8 cm. It is currently housed in the British Museum, located in London, UK.
Describing the artwork, it appears to be a detailed black-and-white representation emphasizing the rooftops and chimneys of Venetian buildings. Various chimney shapes and structures give a sense of Venice’s architectural characteristics and the intricacies of its urban design. The image has different shades that indicate lighting and texture, providing depth and authenticity to the city’s portrayal. The sharp contrasts in this drawing highlight the foreground, with darker, richer tones adding dimension in the background, and lighter areas revealing the sky above Venice, suggesting a cloudy day with soft, diffused light. Noticeable is the attention to detail in the rendering of the chimneys and roof elements, capturing the essence of Venice’s unique architectural features.