Canaletto - The Stonemasons' Yard
Feb 3, 2009 22:59:30 GMT
Post by spindrift on Feb 3, 2009 22:59:30 GMT
CANALETTO
1697 - 1768
Canaletto is well known for his paintings of Venice, usually featuring the Grand Canal.
Recently I visited the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London and I found one of his lesser known pictures - A Stonemasons' Yard.
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The view from the yard looks across the Grand Canal to the church of S. Maria della Carita. Istrian stone had been brought by boat to the yard to repair a church (unseen in the picture).
It is worth going to see this painting if only to view the fascinating details of everyday life. Masons cut and shape the stone in the square as well as in the hut. A mother drops her broom and runs to pick up her child. Women are hanging out their washing, a cockerel calls from a windowsill and a woman leans over a balcony to see what's going on.
It is thought to be dated around 1720.
This is a little treasure. I must have stood for at least 20 minutes enjoying it.
1697 - 1768
Canaletto is well known for his paintings of Venice, usually featuring the Grand Canal.
Recently I visited the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London and I found one of his lesser known pictures - A Stonemasons' Yard.
[
The view from the yard looks across the Grand Canal to the church of S. Maria della Carita. Istrian stone had been brought by boat to the yard to repair a church (unseen in the picture).
It is worth going to see this painting if only to view the fascinating details of everyday life. Masons cut and shape the stone in the square as well as in the hut. A mother drops her broom and runs to pick up her child. Women are hanging out their washing, a cockerel calls from a windowsill and a woman leans over a balcony to see what's going on.
It is thought to be dated around 1720.
This is a little treasure. I must have stood for at least 20 minutes enjoying it.
