View of the Molo, Venice
Giovanni Antonio Canal (called Canaletto)
(Italian (Venetian) 1697-1768)
1730
Oil on canvas
Gift of Samuel H. Kress Foundation
Canaletto is the best known of the Venetian vedute (‘view’) painters. He created images for travelers on the Grand Tour. The molo is one of his favorite scenes. This is the entrance to Venice used by officials and distinguished visitors. The entrance is marked by two columns supporting sculptures of the city’s patron saints, Mark and Theodore. To the right is the Doge’s palace, the seat of government. Beyond is the Mint. On the left are the Dogana (Customs House) and the church of Santa Maria della Salute. Here Canaletto captured the ceremony, government, economics, commerce, and religion of Venice.