This work and its companion painting 'Piazza San Marco and the Colonnade of the Procuratie Nuove' are late works by Canaletto depicting views of the basilica of San Marco from either side of the main piazza. This picture shows the basilica framed by the pillars of an arcade to the west of the Piazza.
The man standing on the right is holding a cup and saucer. Florian's, one of the most famous cafés in the Piazza, is nearby. Probably painted, with its pendant 'Piazza San Marco and the Colonnade', in the late 1750s after Canaletto's return from England.
Key facts
Artist
Artist dates
1697 - 1768
Full title
Venice: Piazza San Marco
Date made
about 1758
Medium and support
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
46.4 x 37.8 cm, 5.5 kg
Acquisition credit
Salting Bequest, 1910
Inventory number
NG2515
Location in Gallery
Other paintings in the group: Two Views of Piazza San Marco
