The Ridotto Pubblico at Palazzo Dandolo

Francesco Guardi

ca. 1765–68 · Oil on canvas · European Paintings

One of Guardi’s rare interior views, this painting depicts the main hall of the Ridotto, a public gaming house. Tattered wall hangings and off‑kilter paintings capture the room’s atmosphere just prior to remodeling in 1768. Guardi populates this simple, stagelike space with elegant masked figures sketched with a fluid, sprightly touch. He paired this image with one of the Sala del Maggior Consiglio, also in The Met collection.

Artist

Francesco Guardi

Date

ca. 1765–68

Medium

Oil on canvas

Department

European Paintings

Credit line

Bequest of Lore Heinemann, in memory of her husband, Dr. Rudolf J. Heinemann, 1996