“Capriccio with Venetian Motifs,” created by Canaletto circa 1742, is an exquisite oil painting on canvas that belongs to the Rococo art movement. The artwork, measuring 51.2 x 68.6 cm, is a capriccio, a genre characterized by fantastic and whimsical architecture and landscapes. This distinguished piece is housed at the Saint Louis Art Museum in St. Louis, Missouri, United States.
The artwork presents a fantastical Venetian landscape, juxtaposing various architectural elements and structures that are typical of Venice. Dominated by an expansive sky, it features a blend of ruinous and well-preserved structures, including a bell tower, an archway, and a bridge, with water bodies intermittently weaving through the scene. The meticulous detail and lighting in this piece evoke a dreamlike quality, harmoniously integrating human figures engaged in daily activities with towering edifices that celebrate Venice’s architectural grandeur. The artist’s use of light and shadow renders a serene yet enigmatic atmosphere, reflecting the Rococo style’s penchant for lightness, elegance, and picturesque locales.
