Minneapolis Institute of Art

The Portico with the Lantern, plate from Views, some representing actual places, others imaginary

Canaletto (Giovanni Antonio Canal)

Date

1740–45

Medium

Etching

Department

European Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

In this imaginary scene, Canaletto visually linked dilapidated modern structures with ancient Roman remains, including a triumphal arch and temple. Overgrown with vines, the large, shadowy arches of the portico frame the luminous view, set near a harbor where ships are moored. A single, forgotten lantern hangs against the sky. Canaletto’s quivering lines amplify the bright, flickering light on aging stone and plaster walls. At left, a bishop’s tomb (recognizable by the statue of a seated bishop on top) shows signs of neglect. Up on rooftop terrace, laundresses have started to hang sheets out to dry. At right, a drummer rests on his instrument while the rest of his troop looks expectantly for someone to disembark at the port. Italy, Europe

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