Canaletto made many paintings of the Grand Canal in Venice, all from slightly different viewpoints, but employing the same distinctive perspective. It is this re-working of subjects that helps to make his work so familiar to modern audiences.
Canaletto was the most prolific of the Venetian vedutista or view painters, whose work depicted towns like Rome and Venice.
Accurate paintings were in demand by patrons as souvenirs of their 'Grand Tours' of Italy. Later in his career, Canaletto applied a similar treatment to London. His earlier works like this painting, have more atmosphere, light, warmth and shadow. Details are richly painted and lively figures populate the scene.
Take a look at the Case Study page for an example of how to use a painting in an Art Across the Curriculum Project and the Teachers Notes page for additional ideas of Curriculum Links.