The Molo with the Library and the Entrance to the Grand Canal (c.1740; Venice, Italy) by Canaletto

The Molo with the Library and the Entrance to the Grand Canal - Canaletto - c.1740; Venice, Italy

Artwork Information

TitleThe Molo with the Library and the Entrance to the Grand Canal
ArtistCanaletto
Datec.1740; Venice, Italy
Mediumoil,canvas
Dimensions110.5 x 185.5 cm
Art MovementRococo
Current LocationPrivate Collection

About The Molo with the Library and the Entrance to the Grand Canal

“The Molo with the Library and the Entrance to the Grand Canal” is an exquisite oil painting on canvas, created around 1740 by the esteemed artist Canaletto in Venice, Italy. The artwork, styled in the Rococo art movement and measuring 110.5 by 185.5 cm, belongs to the veduta genre, characterized by detailed, large-scale paintings of cityscapes. Currently housed in a private collection, this masterpiece vividly captures a bustling scene along Venice’s Grand Canal, featuring the Molo and the grandiose library.

The artwork meticulously portrays the vibrancy of Venetian life during the Rococo period. The expansive canvas reveals a bustling quay aligned with boats and gondolas, reflecting the busy commerce and transportation of the time. On the right, the imposing architectural beauty of the library stands out, with its multiple arches and ornate details, epitomizing the grandeur of Venetian architecture. Various figures populate the quay, engaging in everyday activities, which infuse the scene with life and realism. The distant horizon showcases the iconic domes and structures that mark the entrance to the Grand Canal, under a sky filled with voluminous, soft clouds. The overall composition and exquisite execution underline Canaletto’s masterful command of perspective and light, drawing viewers into a vivid historical tableau of 18th-century Venice.

Other Artwork from Canaletto

More Rococo Artwork

Scroll to Top