Carnival In St. Mark's Square In Venice. Italian School, Late 18th Century, Around 1800

Oil on canvas Presented in a spectacular carved and gilded wooden frame, Italy 17th century. Model called "à Cassetta" Total dimensions: 107 x 125 cm. The canvas alone: 72 x 92 cm In this splendid view of St. Mark's Square in Venice with the basilica, the bell tower and part of the Doge's Palace in the background; The painter shows us a crowd gathered for the carnival. All kinds of costumes are represented. It was from the 17th century, in the Baroque era, that the myth of the Venice carnival spread throughout Europe, and it is the image of the 18th century that is most familiar to us thanks to the paintings of Canaletto, Francesco Guardi, Giandomenico Tiepolo and especially Pietro Longhi. Long celebrated between Epiphany and Lent, it extends at this time for several months of the year, in winter, in May-June and in autumn (up to six months in the year). Views of Venice, Grand Tour in Italy and Veduti In the 18th century, when it was very difficult to travel, young English travelers made the Grand Tour, "It was an educational journey". They crossed France, Switzerland. They left for Rome, Venice, Florence, Naples, Sicily. They were attracted by ancient arts and wanted to visit Pompeii and Herculaneum which had just been discovered. These trips took place according to the calendar of festivals organized in the cities.... For example, the Carnival and the feast of the Redeemer in Venice, the Palio of Siena... which still exist. They were also fascinated by the Veduti, detailed paintings that depicted landscapes, festivals, ceremonies, the ruins of ancient temples, but also real buildings combined with fanciful ones. This kind of tourism led to the creation and sale of paintings of city views, the veduti. They collected the veduti of the places they had visited to preserve souvenirs of their travels… Beautiful original condition. A certificate will be given to the purchaser. *Payment facilities on request.