About the Work
Executed in the manner of a printed graphic with parallel and cross-hatching, the drawing depicts a view of the Canal Grande in a south-easterly direction. It is the copy of a painting by Canaletto in a private London collection. On commission by the consul Joseph Smith, Visentini produced engravings after the Canaletto veduti in the consul’s possession. They were carried out over a lengthy period of fifteen years ending in 1742. This drawing served as preparation for an engraving which was never actually executed.