The Doge on the Bucintoro near the Riva di Sant'Elena 1770

Francesco Guardi's "The Doge on the Bucintoro near the Riva di Sant'Elena" is a vivid depiction of the Doge of Venice's ceremonial journey on the Bucintoro, a grand state galley, along the Venetian lagoon in 1770. The painting captures the grandeur of the event, showcasing the Doge's vessel alongside a multitude of other boats filled with people. Guardi's signature loose brushstrokes, particularly in the depiction of water and sky, contribute to the sense of movement and atmosphere. This work is a prime example of Guardi's mastery of veduta, a genre of landscape painting that highlights the architectural and social aspects of a specific place. The painting, now housed in the Louvre, Paris, provides a glimpse into the opulent life and ceremonies of 18th-century Venice.