Imaginary View with a Tomb by the Lagoon

Canaletto (Giovanni Antonio Canal)

early 1740s · Oil on canvas · European Paintings

At the edge of a lagoon, a classical-style tomb stands on a high base under a roof with four supporting columns, an imaginary arrangement. The artist highlights the tomb, contrasting it with the darker architecture in the right background. The rosy color layered over the sky suggests sunset. A rickety wooden bridge stretches across the center. The figures scattered about are depicted using spots of color, rather than sharp detail.

Artist

Canaletto (Giovanni Antonio Canal)

Date

early 1740s

Medium

Oil on canvas

Department

European Paintings

Credit line

Gift of the Eugene V. and Clare E. Thaw Charitable Trust, 2018