Аntonio Canaletto “La Punta Della Dogana” (The Customs)

[Anatol]

In the XVIII century, Venetian trade experienced a crisis, which, in effect, was caused by the loss of the former influence of Venice in Europe and throughout the world. But nothing happens at once, and this picture of Canaletto, is the best confirmation of that.
In the sun-drenched water surface, there is an active trading life: ships sailing with goods, people are busy with their everyday business. The architectural background here is unusually accurate – however, it does not surprise Canaletto, he was a great composer of architectural music, filled with colors.
Old Custom house. St. Mark's Basin, i.e. the stretch of sea between the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Square on one side and San Giorgio Maggiore and Isola della Giudecca on the other, was once one of the busiest and most important ports in the whole of Europe. Dogana da Mar is a long, plain building shaped like a ship's bow at the entrance to the Canal Grande. Situated in triangular stretch where the Grand Canal meets the Giudecca canal it was built in the years 1677-1682 by Giuseppe Benoni and served as customs building. The tip of the building has a watchtower topped by a large golden globe symbolizing the planet Earth, supported by two Atlas figures. At the top of this globe is a turning statue representing Fortune, with a helm-shaped weathervane in her hand. Today it houses a art museum. The museum is not so much great but one should go for its great location and the architectural details.
San Marino 1971;200L; SG907.
Sources: https://painting-planet.com/customs-by- ... canaletto/.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserRev ... eneto.html.