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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. [ 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.
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Post by spindrift on Feb 6, 2009 21:05:25 GMT
Philistines! Should I not bother posting about other fine pictures?
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Post by bixaorellana on Feb 6, 2009 22:35:28 GMT
*winces* *hangs head* Spindrift, perhaps the small reproduction did not tempt anyone to look further. This may be more intriguing: upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/52/Canaletto_(II)_007.jpg. Open the picture, then float your mouse over it. Click to magnify, then use your side and bottom scrollers to really study and enjoy the picture.
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Post by spindrift on Feb 7, 2009 9:51:45 GMT
Bix - that's better...
I saw the original at the National Gallery. I was spellbound by it.
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Post by grecian on Feb 7, 2009 17:45:49 GMT
I prefer Turner who, I think, was influenced by Canaletto...
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Post by spindrift on Feb 7, 2009 18:00:49 GMT
I'm glad you've at least looked at this thread.
Now YOU post something about Turner.
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Post by grecian on Feb 7, 2009 18:03:25 GMT
Maybe tomorrow - when I can work out how to post a picture...
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