The Grand Canal in Venice from Palazzo Flangini to Campo San Marcuola

Canaletto was at the peak of his powers when he created this view of the sun-drenched palaces lining the Grand Canal and reflected in its shimmering water. With precise brushwork, he also evoked the effects of soot and crumbling stucco disfiguring the facades.

Canaletto's highly finished treatment and silvery tonality stand in marked contrast to Francesco Guardi's more painterly view of the same location, The Grand Canal in Venice with Palazzo Bembo, also in the Getty Museum's collection.

Digital image and text courtesy of the Getty's Open Content Program.