Landscape with a Town by a River 1680 - 1767

Anton Maria Zanetti the Elder rendered "Landscape with a Town by a River" in ink, offering us a window into the 18th century Venetian countryside. Zanetti, a prominent figure, was not only an artist but also a collector and dealer. At first glance it may seem like just a calm view, but this work reflects the social dynamics of its time. In the foreground, we see figures on horseback and common folk on foot – a subtle nod to the hierarchical society of the era. Consider how the landscape serves as a backdrop to human activities, subtly reinforcing a sense of order. Zanetti’s landscape invites a dialogue between the picturesque and the political. While he presents a serene scene, it’s impossible to ignore that this idyll is supported by the labor and lives of those who inhabit it. It asks us to reflect on whose stories are told and whose are left out of the frame.