Markscène in Dolo 1707 - 1768

Canaletto made this print of a market scene in Dolo using etching. This process involves coating a metal plate with a waxy ground, then drawing through it with a sharp needle to expose the metal. The plate is then bathed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating an image that can be inked and printed. In this scene, notice the contrast between the detailed architectural elements and the more loosely rendered figures in the foreground. The precision of the etching technique allows for a high level of detail, particularly in the buildings, while the artist’s hand is more evident in the depiction of everyday life in the market. The choice of etching as a medium is significant. Unlike painting, which was often associated with the elite, printmaking allowed for wider distribution of images. By depicting a common market scene, Canaletto engaged with a broader audience, documenting the daily lives of ordinary people alongside grand architectural landmarks. This print challenges the traditional hierarchy of art, bringing the world of labor and commerce into the realm of fine art.