Imaginary View of Venice, houses at left with figures on terraces, a domed church at center in the background, boats and boat-sheds below, and a seated man observing from a wall at right in the foreground, from 'Views' (Vedute altre prese da i luoghi altre ideate da Antonio Canal) 1741

This etching called, 'Imaginary View of Venice' was made by Canaletto in the 18th century. Canaletto was known for his detailed depictions of Venice, but here, he presents us with a scene that is not quite real. Look closely, and you'll see that this is a constructed image, composed of architectural elements and social types that reflect Venice, but don’t replicate it exactly. In 18th-century Venice, there was an active market in idealized views for tourists, but Canaletto complicates the traditions of the 'vedute'. By blending the real and the imaginary, Canaletto seems to be commenting on the commercialization of Venice itself. Notice the figures, they are arranged as if on display, reinforcing the sense of the city as a spectacle. To fully understand this etching, we might consult historical maps, tourist guides from the period, and even Canaletto's other works. What we learn is that the power of art resides in its ability to both reflect and shape our understanding of the world.