Bernardo Bellotto painted this view of Venice from the Punta della Dogana towards San Giorgio Maggiore in the 18th century. The painting presents us with an idealised vision of Venice, a city-state with a long history of maritime power and artistic patronage. Bellotto, nephew and pupil of Canaletto, excelled in vedute, detailed and accurate cityscapes. But these weren't just topographical records. The painting, with its careful attention to architectural detail and the play of light on water, subtly reinforces Venice's image as a centre of culture and commerce. Consider how the Dogana, the customs house, and San Giorgio Maggiore, a Benedictine monastery, stand as symbols of Venice's economic and religious power. The gondolas, more than just boats, are emblems of Venetian identity. To fully appreciate Bellotto's painting, historians delve into archival records, maps, and guidebooks of the period. Only then can we understand how it participates in the ongoing construction of Venice as a unique and powerful place.