Venice, The Punta della Dogana

Venice: The Punta della Dogana with S. Maria della Salute by Francesco Guardi

Description: "Venice: The Punta della Dogana with S. Maria della Salute" by Francesco Guardi is a breathtaking view of one of Venice’s most iconic scenes, capturing the grandeur and beauty of the city’s architecture and waterways. Painted in the late 18th century, this work illustrates the Punta della Dogana, Venice’s historic customs house, with the magnificent domed church of Santa Maria della Salute rising prominently in the background. Guardi's composition presents a lively scene along the Grand Canal, filled with gondolas, boats, and figures, reflecting the bustling life of Venice. His use of light and shadow enhances the shimmering quality of the water, creating a dynamic interplay between the cityscape and the lagoon.

Guardi's characteristic loose brushwork and fluid style are evident in the atmospheric rendering of the architecture, sky, and water. He employs a delicate color palette of blues, whites, and earth tones to capture the unique light of Venice, infusing the painting with a sense of both clarity and movement. The painting is a fine example of Guardi’s Venetian vedute (views), blending his attention to detail with a more expressive, almost impressionistic technique that captures the essence of Venice’s vibrant, ever-changing environment.

Details:

• Location and Date Created: Venice, Italy, late 18th century.
• Medium: Oil on canvas.
• Full Artwork Name: Venice: The Punta della Dogana with S. Maria della Salute.
• Artwork Style: Venetian Vedutismo (Cityscape Painting).
• Subject/Topic: A view of the Punta della Dogana and the Church of Santa Maria della Salute in Venice, depicting the vibrant life and distinctive architecture along the Grand Canal.