San Giorgio Maggiore 

Francesco Guardi painted “San Giorgio Maggiore” with oil on canvas, capturing a view of Venice that seems suspended in time. The composition is dominated by the architectural mass of the church and its campanile on the right, balanced by the open expanse of water and sky on the left. Notice how Guardi uses light and colour to create a shimmering effect; the buildings are rendered in warm tones, contrasting with the cooler blues and greys of the water and sky. The brushwork is loose and energetic, giving the scene an immediacy and vibrancy. The gondolas in the foreground serve not only as points of interest but also as structural elements, leading the eye into the deeper space of the painting. This work captures a moment, but it also invites contemplation on the structures that define Venice: its architecture, its waterways, and its unique position between the natural world and human construction. Ultimately, Guardi's painting is a study in atmosphere and form, capturing Venice's essence through a delicate balance of light, colour, and composition.