Return of the Bucentoro to the Molo on Ascension Day 1732

Canaletto's "Return of the Bucentoro to the Molo on Ascension Day" (1732) depicts a ceremonial event in Venice. The painting showcases the grand Bucentoro, a state galley, returning to the harbor after the Doge's annual ritual of dropping a ring into the sea to symbolize Venice's dominion over the Adriatic Sea. The scene captures the bustling activity of the harbor, filled with gondolas and other vessels, while the majestic Doge's Palace and the Campanile of St. Mark's stand as imposing backdrops, reflecting the city's architectural splendor. Canaletto, a renowned master of veduta, meticulously captures the Venetian landscape, creating a vibrant and detailed view of 18th-century Venice.