41 Medieval Venice

Medieval Venice

TAP41-2

This scene depicts the
natural harbour of Venice.
The tapestry has
remarkable detail. St
Marks square can be seen
in the background.

Based on a work by
Guardi, Francesco (1712-
93). Best known for his
vedute, or view paintings,
Guardi probably developed
his style between 1770
and 1780, while he
worked for Canaletto.

Unlike Canaletto, who
represented views
accurately with mirror
smoothness, Guardi took
liberties with reality and
loaded his brush with
paint. Freely applying his
colours, he dissolved and
dematerialised form to an
extent undreamed of by
his precursors.

Later, Guardi painted the
inventive capricci, or
imaginary views, that
Venetian patrons
preferred.

Size

56cm x 155cm

78cm x 193cm

145cm x 210cm