Francesco Guardi

Francesco Guardi painted Venice with a quick, flickering touch: gondolas, lagoon views, festivals and crumbling architecture dissolving into light and air. Where Canaletto was precise, Guardi was atmospheric, and his small figures are often just a few dabs of paint.

He was born in Venice in 1712 and worked for years with his brother Gian Antonio on religious paintings. Only later did he concentrate on views of the city, influenced by Canaletto and Michele Marieschi. He painted a series of the Doge’s ceremonies and many imaginary views known as capricci. His work is in the Frick Collection, the Metropolitan Museum, the Louvre and the Gallerie dell’Accademia. He died in 1793.

A View of the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore Seen from the Giudecca shows his shimmering water and sky.