Venice: A View of the Molo

This magnificent view of the Molo originally formed part of a set of four views of Venice, which are believed to have been purchased circa 1710-1715 by Christopher Crowe, British Consul in Leghorn. It presents a view of the Molo with the Doge's Palace looking west towards the Zecca and the church of Santa Maria della Salute in the distance

This painting, like its companions, is impressive for its highly sophisticated rendering of a site that would have been extremely familiar to visitors of Venice. The scene is populated by over one hundred colourful, individually defined figures and the spectacular architectural setting is unified by a warm, soft light that is both naturalistic and atmospheric.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 10 minutes): Antonio Vivaldi: Concerto for recorder in A minor