Title Page, from Vedute

The Venetian artist Canaletto was the preeminent painter of vedute (views) of Italian cities and landscapes in the 18th century. Between 1735 and 1744, he focused on publishing etchings of similar scenes, many of which were partially or entirely fanciful. He dedicated this portfolio to his major patron, the connoisseur Joseph Smith (here Italianized as Giuseppe Smith), who may have supported the project. A resident of Venice from 1700, Smith became the British consul in 1744 and acted as an agent of sorts, finding commissions for the artist. Smith later sold his large collection of Canaletto’s works to King George III.