Return of 'Il Bucintoro' on Ascension Day

Print
Location: 
Sala 030
Artists / Makers / Authorities: 
Giovanni Antonio Canal (Canaletto)
Venice, 1697-1768
Social tags: 
  • dock
  • pirates
  • boat
  • Bucintoro
  • Palazzo Ducale
  • campanile
  • Adriatic sea
Description:

The scene illustrates the atmosphere that filled the San Marco dock on Ascension Day, at the celebrations of Venice's victory over Dalmatian pirates in 998. In memory of the event, the Republic dressed in all its finery to celebrate its 'Marriage of the Adriatic'. To symbolise the bond, the Doge boarded his official boat, the 'Bucintoro', and sailed out of the lagoon into the open sea, where he threw a ring into the water. As a host of people and boats welcome the returning galley on the quay, we can see a view of the city, with the Palazzo Ducale, the 'campanile', the Libreria Marciana, as far as the Punta della Dogana and the church of Santa Maria de la Salute.Retorn SC

Painting

1745-1750

59.5 x 93.8 cm

Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection on long-term loan to the MNAC, 2004

Inventory number: 

212851-000

Century: 18th
Subject: Landscape
Oil on canvas