“The Molo and the Riva degli Schiavoni from the St. Mark’s Basin” is an exquisite oil on canvas painting by the renowned artist Canaletto, dating back to 1740 in Venice, Italy. This distinguished piece, notable for its dimensions of 46.5 x 63 cm and categorized within the Rococo art movement, represents the veduta genre. The artwork is currently housed at the Toledo Museum of Art in Toledo, Ohio, United States.
The artwork showcases a meticulously detailed view of Venice, capturing the architectural grandeur and bustling life along the Molo and the Riva degli Schiavoni as seen from the St. Mark’s Basin. Prominent buildings, delicate bridges, and a variety of boats with figures engaged in diverse activities populate the composition, reflecting the vibrancy and beauty of Venetian culture during the 18th century. The play of light and the serene sky add a harmonious balance to the vivid scene, emphasizing Canaletto’s mastery in rendering atmospheric and spatial depth.